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The VQR 2020–2024 introduces, for the first time, the assessment of research infrastructures. Elettra is one of only three Italian research infrastructures awarded Merit Class A (“Exceptional”).
The VQR is Italy’s principal national research assessment exercise. In its current format, it covers five-year periods and involves universities, public research organisations and other institutions admitted to participate on a voluntary basis, including Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste.
One of the major innovations introduced in the 2020–2024 edition is the assessment of research infrastructures. Within this framework, Elettra was one of only three Italian research infrastructures awarded Merit Class A (“Exceptional”), together with the National Galileo Telescope of INAF and the Gran Sasso National Laboratories of INFN.
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The assessment of research infrastructures considers the scientific and technological quality and impact of the activities carried out, as well as their social, economic and educational impact. It also examines the scientific, operational and managerial contribution of the hosting organisation, the governance of the infrastructure, access policies and technology transfer activities.
In their evaluation report, ANVUR reviewers describe Elettra as a research infrastructure of international strategic relevance, highlighting its large user community, participation in high-profile research projects, including several ESFRI initiatives, and extensive collaborations with both academia and industry.
The scientific and technological output enabled by the Elettra and FERMI facilities is evidenced by more than 2,800 peer-reviewed publications reporting research carried out at, and made possible through access to, the centre’s light sources, beamlines and ancillary laboratories.
Among the strengths highlighted in the assessment are Elettra’s contribution to the training of young researchers, its outreach and dissemination activities, the adoption of policies aligned with FAIR principles and Open Science practices, the impact of its research in the technological, biomedical and health sectors, and its participation in nationally and internationally funded projects and programmes.
The assessment of research output also returned positive results. In Area 2 – Physical Sciences, which represents the institution’s primary scientific domain, the ANVUR indicators R1, R2 and R1_2 achieved values of 1.08, 1.13 and 1.09 respectively, all above the average of the relevant reference category.
Positive outcomes also emerged from the evaluation of knowledge valorisation activities. The case study dedicated to the Data@Elettra platform, submitted within the framework of Open Science initiatives, received Merit Class B (“Excellent”). Reviewers highlighted the strategic relevance of the platform for the management, sharing and valorisation of scientific data within the European Open Science landscape. Among the most appreciated aspects were its impact at both national and European level, as well as its integration with international research networks and infrastructures.
Within the overall positive outcome of the assessment, these results represent an important recognition of the Company’s scientific, technological and managerial quality. Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste has been officially recognised as an Institution of National Interest under Article 10, paragraph 4, of Italian Law No. 370 of 19 October 1999.
The ANVUR assessment comes at a particularly significant moment for Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, as the organisation advances the Elettra 2.0 project and continues to strengthen the research infrastructures and services it provides to the national and international scientific community.
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