Milestones
Stéphane Le Bouler, new Hcéres secretary general
Stéphane Le Bouler has been appointed as the new Secretary General of Hcéres, taking over from Nelly Dupin who held the position from 2016 to 2020. He takes up his duties as of 10 February 2021.
President and members of the Hcéres Board appointed
Thierry Coulhon, Hcéres President, is appointed among the 30 members who make up the Board.
European Research Infrastructures: 1st Hcéres evaluation
As the coordinating member of the ERIEC Research Infrastructure Evaluation Consortium, Hcéres has published its first evaluation of a European research infrastructure. It was of ECRIN-ERIC (European Clinic Research Infrastructure Network) and was organised in two key stages: a self-evaluation conducted by ECRIN-ERIC, then an external evaluation by a panel of international experts. The panel recommended more particularly that the ECRIN-ERIC network should open up further to new research and consider collaborations with other European research infrastructures (see pages 24 and 25). It should also be noted that ERIEC welcomed two new quality assurance agencies in 2019: QANU (Netherlands) and evalag (Germany).
Election of François Pernot, Director of the Europe and International Department (DEI) as ENQA Vice-Chair
Hcéres Conference: “Evaluation in higher education, research and innovation - review and perspectives: 2015-2025”
Organised by Hcéres under the title “Evaluation in higher education, research and innovation - review and perspectives: 2015-2025”, this very rich event lasted two days and brought together 180 participants for 6 round-table panel discussions (see page 9). “To evaluate is to build confidence,” stressed Frédérique Vidal, Minister for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, who was invited to close the event. Adding that evaluation constitutes “the necessary condition for the autonomy of universities and bodies,” she also pointed out that it is “an integral part of the world of knowledge.” It is also a vector of excellence, but “our community does not cultivate this excellence only for itself, it owes it above all to the society that believes and invests in it,” concluded the minister, reminding us all that evaluation must be useful “to society as a whole”.
Publication of “Dynamics of scientific production in the world, in Europe and in France, 2000-2016”
This report by the OST Department analyses scientific production around the world and in Europe, along with an in-depth look at the case of France. It is based on scientific publications, research resource indicators and an analysis of the international mobility of Nobel prize-winners. In addition to various analyses of the positioning of the research-intensive countries, it offers a particular insight into the impact of the growth in Chinese scientific production on the bibliometric indicators of other countries.
Election of Solange Pisarz, a Project Manager in the Europe and International Department (DEI), as Vice-Chair of the ECA (European Consortium for Accreditation in Higher Education)
French archaeology: publication of the first synthesis and future perspectives report for a scientific discipline
At the request of the Ministry for Higher Education, Research and Innovation and the Ministry for Culture, Hcéres delivered a synthesis and future perspective report, along with proposals to boost the international profile and reputation of French research in archaeology. The report is the first of its kind and describes the 102 research units in the sector of archaeology in France, as well as summarising their theoretical and methodological approaches. In its conclusions, it underscores the outstanding scientific position, efficient organisation and diversified collaborations of French archaeology.
Opening of the Hcéres open archive portal on HAL
“Research Integrity and Open Science”: 1st annual seminar of the OFIS
Organised by the OFIS Department in partnership with the CPU, the Committee for Open Science (CoSo), the CNRS and Poléthis (Université ParisSaclay), this seminar had a threefold objective: to share experience and analyses, to identify synergies between research integrity and open science, and to identify the pitfalls to be avoided. With over 170 participants, it provided a forum for rich and constructive debate through its two introductory presentations, followed by two round table panel discussions: “Open access to publications, a challenge for research integrity?” and “Open data, a challenge for research integrity?”
Publication of the first integrated evaluation
HESAM Université is the first cluster of institutions to benefit from an integrated evaluation. It was carried out in two phases (evaluation and then synthesis) with a twofold objective : to deliver a comprehensive view of the collective dynamics of the cluster, and to assess its strengths, weaknesses and development challenges.
IPERU Day
Organised by the OST, some one hundred institutions took part in this day dedicated to the IPERU programme (University Research Institution Production Indicators). In the course of a plenary session followed by 5 workshops, there were in-depth discussions with the institutions on the changes they would like to see in IPERU reports.
2nd annual meeting of the Conference of Signatories of the French Charter for Research Integrity
After a review of the action of the OFIS and a presentation of its roadmap, the more than 80 participants in attendance were invited to debate on the issues and new challenges for a national research integrity policy.
The OFIS joins the ENRIO European network
ENRIO (European Network of Research Integrity Offices) was created in 2008 and includes 31 bodies from 23 member countries.
Its objective is to pool knowledge and best practices in matters of research integrity in higher education and research in Europe.
Preparing the evaluation of the eight IRTs (June to December)
Acting via its Secretariat General for Investment, the government turned to Hcéres in 2018 to carry out the evaluation of the 8 Technological Research Institutes (IRT) that were created within the framework of the Investments in the Future programme in 2011.
Launch of Hcéres' website
Communication on the proper usage of research evaluation criteria
The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), published in 2012, and the Leiden Manifesto of 2015 both set out to improve existing research evaluation practices, particularly by drawing attention to the misuse of certain bibliometric indicators. In support of the recommendations made in these declarations, Hcéres has decided to issue a statement explaining how their principles are put into action in the context of our work to evaluate research institutions.
Publication of The scientific position of France in the world, 2000-2015
Hcéres has published its first analysis of France’s scientific position in the world. The report is based on data relating to scientific publications and on Nobel and mathematics prizes. The themes studied by the Science and Technology Observatory, a department of Hcéres, included: trends in scientific publications among the 20 biggest producers and their impact, the disciplinary profile of France and its partners in joint publications; analysis of the mathematics discipline.
International Conference of the FrAQ-Sup Network
On behalf of the Network of French-Speaking Quality Assurance Agencies for Higher Education (FrAQ-Sup),Hcéres is organising the 3rd FrAQ-Sup International Conference, in partnership with the Francophone University Agency (AUF), on the theme "International Opening and Francophonie: what added value for quality in higher education? ”
> More about the FrAQ-Sup network (lien externe vers le site web du réseau)
> More about the Hcéres quality approach (lien interne vers la page dédiée)
Appointment of members of the French Scientific Integrity Council
The last 4 members of the French Advisory Board for Research Integrity (CoFIS) have been appointed. The CIS manages and supervises the work of the French Office for Research Integrity (OFIS).
Appointment of Joëlle Alnot to head the OFIS
Further to the proposal of the Scientific Integrity Council (CIS) of the French Office for Research Integrity (OFIS), Michel Cosnard appoints Joëlle Alnot to head the OFIS.
Publication of the report on the scientific position of France in the world 2000-2015
Hcéres publishes its first analysis of the scientific positioning of France in the world. The report isbased on data on scientific publications and winners of Nobel and mathematics prizes.
Appointment of the president and members of the Scientific Integrity Council
Olivier Le Gall takes up the presidency of the French Advisory Board For Research Integrity (CoFIS) of Hcéres alongside the 7 first members appointed. The CoFIS manages and supervises the work of the French Office for Research Integrity (OFIS).
Integrated evaluation rolled out
The integrated evaluation system for clusters and their entities is a key focus of the HcéresStrategic Plan 2016-2020 and is now structured in two successive phases: an evaluation phase consisting in producing evaluation reports for each evaluated institution within the cluster, then a phase summarising these evaluations for the higher education institution, research and study programme components of the cluster.
François Pernot appointed to the ENQA Board
François Pernot, Head of the Europe and International Department (DEI) of Hcéres, has been elected to the board of ENQA.
Support for the creation of a forum for exchanges in French quality assurance
On the occasion of the ENQA AGM, the Hcéres declares, alongside the CIEP and the CTI, that it is in favour of the creation of a forum for exchanges in French quality assurance.
Hosting of the 4th annual meeting of the ECA
Hcéres is hosting the 4th annual meeting of the members of the European Consortium for Accreditation (ECA). Discussions revolved in particular around preparations for the European Ministerial Conference on the Bologna Process to be held in Paris in 2018.
Launch of the new visual identity of Hcéres
On the occasion of the publication of its 2016 Activity Report, Hcéres reveals its new visual identity, now displayed on all its materials.
Creation of the IT Department
Thierry Bédouin is appointed to head the new IT Department of Hcéres. The role of the department is to support evaluation and analysis activities and its missions will include defining a data policy to rationalise and optimise data collection and provision.
European recognition of Hcéres renewed
Hcéres’ membership of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) and its listing in the European Register (EQAR) were renewed for five years on 14 January 2017 and 19 June 2017 respectively. This European recognition marks the culmination of an evaluation process started in 2015.
Creation of the OFIS
On 20 March 2017, the Hcéres Board voted to create a new department, the French Office for Research Integrity (OFIS), pursuant to the conclusions of the report by Pierre Corvol on scientific integrity.
Nelly Dupin appointed Hcéres General Secretary
Nelly Dupin has been appointed as General Secretary of the High Council. She will haveparticular responsibility for accompanying the organisational changes set out in its Strategic Plan, for developing human resources policy and internal quality, and for developing a model for financing the activities of Hcéres.
13-14 October 2016: Hcéres hosts the 22nd edition of the G7 Research Group
Hcéres is hosting the annual meeting of the G7 working group on research evaluation. Discussions will address the evaluation of the impact of research and the evaluation of site and scientific integrity policies.
New international standards adopted
The Hcéres Board adopts the new standards and criteria of Hcéres for evaluations and accreditations abroad.
Framework agreement with the CTI renewed
Hcéres signs a new framework agreement with the Commission for Engineering Qualifications (CTI).
Creation of the Department of Evaluation of Clusters of Higher Education and Research Institutions
Hcéres is setting up a Department of Evaluation of Clusters of Higher Education and Research Institutions (DECT), pursuant to the Law on Higher Education and Research of July 2013 forgroupings of institutions. This department will carry out the evaluation of clusters, organise their integrated evaluation and provide training and methodological support for the evaluation of institutions.
Signature of a framework agreement with the AUF
Hcéres and the Francophone University Agency (AUF) sign a framework agreement for cooperation in the area of evaluation of Francophone higher education and research institutions.
Adoption of the principles for the validation of the evaluation procedures of other bodies
The Law of 22 July 2013 confers upon Hcéres the mission of conducting evaluations directlyand also of checking the quality of those conducted by other bodies by validating their procedures. This validation is performed in accordance with the principles adopted by the Board of the High Council on 6 June 2016.
Adoption of the Hcéres Strategic Plan 2016-2020
Hcéres publishes its Strategic Plan 2016-2020, as adopted by its Board on 6 June 2016. Structured around 9 areas, it sets out the ambition of the High Council to boost the country’s confidence in the evaluation of its higher education and research system. It also reasserts its principles of independence, transparency, impartiality and ethical evaluation.
New premises inaugurated
Hcéres is settling into its new premises in the 13th district of Paris, inaugurated in the presence of the Secretary of State for Higher Education and Research.
Appointment of the members of the Scientific Steering Committee
The Scientific Steering Committee (COS) has twelve members and is responsible for ensuring the scientific quality of the work of the Science and Technology Observatory (OST).
First evaluations of study programmes in health
As part of the 2015-2016 evaluation campaign (Group B), Hcéres will be conducting evaluations for the very first time of bachelor’s degree-level general study programmes in medical science, pharmacy, dentistry and midwifery and of master’s degree-level study programmes in medical science, pharmacy and dentistry, as well as the State Diploma in Midwifery.
Review-project evaluation of study programmes for the accreditation of institutions
Further to the provisions of the Law of 22 July 2013 on Higher Education and Research and the Order of 22 January 2014 setting out the accreditation procedures for institutions, the Secretary of State adopts simplification measures. More particularly, he has asked Hcéres to conduct a dual review-project evaluation of the study programmes of institutions for the accreditation of their study programme provision.
Final conference of the QACHE European project
Hcéres is co-organising (with ENQA) the final conference of the QACHE European project(Quality Assurance of Cross-Border Higher Education), the objective of which is to achieve more effective evaluation of the cross-border activities of national higher education institutions (dual degrees, off-shore campuses, institution franchises, relocations). To conclude the conference, a guide to good practice drawn from the work conducted during the project is being published.
President and members of the Hcéres Board appointed
Michel Cosnard, Hcéres President, is appointed among the 30 members who make up the Board.
Adoption of the revised ESG
At the Ministerial Conference on the Bologna Process in Yerevan (Armenia), the ministers of the European Higher Education Area adopt the revised version of the European standards and Guidelines (ESG). Their French translation is proposed by the FrAQ-Sup Network of French-Speaking Quality Assurance Agencies for Higher Education, in which Hcéres takes part.
Integration of the OST
The OST was created in 1990 and is joining Hcéres in 2015. The department produces analyses and indicators that contribute to the strategic reflection of stakeholders in higher education, research and innovation, to the evaluations of Hcéres and to evaluations of public policies.
Decree on the organisation and operation of Hcéres
The creation of Hcéres takes effect on 17 November, the day after the publication of Decree n°2014-1365 of 14 November 2014 on the organisation and operation of the institution.
Order setting out the accreditation procedures for higher education institutions
The institution accreditation procedure replaces the approval of degrees. The State will no longer go into the details of the study programmes on offer by approving each degree.
The dialogue between the State and the operators will now focus on training strategy, taking account of the teaching, organisational and financial aspects. In addition to defining its study programme strategy, the institution will also be required to demonstrate its ability to implement it.
Law on Higher Education and Research and the creation of Hcéres
Following on from the Forum on Higher Education and Research launched in 2012, the Law on Higher Education and Research was adopted on 22 July 2013.
It creates the High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (Hcéres) which replaces the Agency for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (AERES).
Forum on Higher Education and Research
The Minister for Higher Education and Research launches the Forum on Higher Education and Research. Three themes are being addressed: taking action to foster success for all students, defining new ambitions for research and contributing to defining a new higher education and research landscape. This national consultation will result in proposals providing the basis for legislative, regulatory and contractual measures in early 2013.
Creation of EQAR (European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education)
Further to the adoption of the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ESG), the Bergen conference (2005) saw the creation of EQAR (European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education). Its purpose is notably to provide clear, reliable and accessible information on the European quality assurance agencies listed in the Register.
Creation of the AERES
The Agency for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (AERES) was created by the Framework Law for Research of 2006 and set up in March 2007. In France, it replaces a number of evaluation institutions: the National Evaluation Committee (CNÉ) for public institutions of a scientific, cultural or vocational nature, the Scientific, Technical and Pedagogical Mission (MSTP) and the National Committee for Evaluation of Research (CNER).
Bergen Ministerial Conference
For the first time, the European ministers have adopted references and guidelines to guarantee quality in higher education and are calling upon the members of the E4 Group(ENQA - European University Association - EUA, European Association of Institutions in Higher Education - EURASHE, European Students’ Union - ESU) to form the EQAR Committee which will oversee compliance by evaluation agencies with the principles that have been set down.
Creation of ENQA (European Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education)
Further to the recommendation of the European Commission, the European Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) has set itself the objective of promoting European cooperation in quality assurance. In November 2004, the ENQA General Assembly transformed the network into the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education.
Bologna Declaration
One year on from the Sorbonne Conference, 29 European countries sign the Bologna Declaration aiming among other things to facilitate mobility for students, teachers and researchers and to cooperate in matters of quality assurance in teaching.
Sorbonne Declaration
At the initiative of France, the four ministers for higher education of Germany, France, the UK and Italy sign the Sorbonne Declaration, the first stone in the construction of a European higher education area.