During the first months of the project, substantial progress was made in mapping Departmental research assessment practices and fostering internal dialogue aligned with CoARA principles. An in‑depth analysis of all 31 Departmental Strategic Plans, complemented by a targeted questionnaire and five follow‑up interviews, provided the first comprehensive overview of how Departments use VRA results and other indicators for research budget allocation and internal evaluation.
Findings show that most Departments (27 out of 31) employ VRA results in resource distribution, either alone or alongside additional criteria. VRA results are also used beyond budgeting, particularly for quality assurance processes and strategic planning. Dissemination practices vary, with a large majority discussing VRA internally, while a few avoid sharing results due to privacy or disciplinary complexity.
Moreover, regular meetings between governance representatives and Departmental Delegates created a space for structured exchange. Presentation of survey results and the sharing of two Departmental models helped identify transparent, coherent, and reform‑oriented evaluation practices. These discussions significantly increased awareness of research assessment reform and stimulated constructive comparison across Departments.
Overall, the project has successfully established a solid evidence base, initiated institution‑wide reflection, and identified both strengths and challenges in current practices. This progress lays the groundwork for the next stages, including the refinement and implementation of the CoARA Action Plan.