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The external Research Evaluation 2024/2025 of the ̽����Ƶ, required by law every four years, concluded with the independent international experts affirming that Uni.lu fared remarkably well in its research performance, considering its young age.  

The findings were presented to the parliamentary commission for Higher Education, Research and Digitalisation. The objective of this assessment was to assess the quality, impact, and effectiveness of the University’s research initiatives. It entailed a comprehensive review involving the evaluation of research outputs, identification of strengths and weaknesses, and the provision of recommendations to further enhance research efforts. This evaluation has been carried out by 16 peer panels, with 65 experts from 16 countries. The overall assessment was highly positive, recognising the ̽����Ƶ as a research-intensive institution that has rapidly established itself in all three missions of a university: education, research, and knowledge transfer to society. In this interview, our Vice-Rector for Research, Prof. Simone Niclou, reflects on the outcome of the evaluation. 

What would you say are the main takeaways from this research evaluation? 

The evaluation states that we have managed to establish a strong, research-intensive university in a very short time. In several domains we are world-leading, in many others we are doing very strong research. Of course, there is always room for improvement. 

Which areas should we focus on for further development according to the evaluation? 

Strengthening health and medicine, supporting the country’s digital transformation in the areas of AI, data and quantum, and fostering sustainability, including but not limited to environmental sciences. We will continue to build on these strategic areas. 

‟ Recruitment is key: If you want to be among the best, you must recruit the best.”

Prof Simone NICLOU

Vice-rector for research

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How will the ̽����Ƶ maintain excellence and relevance in research in the coming years? 

This is a continuous process that requires constant attention and ambition, both from the institution and from individual researchers. Our role is to provide the necessary support structures and incentives for excellent research. Beyond that, recruitment is key: if you want to be among the best, you must recruit the best. 

The evaluation emphasised that the University has made progress in sharing knowledge with society. Would you like to expand on that? 

On the one hand, it was seen very positively that the university is closely connected to society, contributing to outreach activities, knowledge transfer and policy making. On the other hand, we can still improve in areas such as creating start-ups and spin-offs, filing patents, and transferring knowledge into products or services through companies. Through our Department for Partnerships and Advancement, we will strengthen university-wide support for technology transfer, accompanying researchers to bringing their findings to the market. 

How can we balance international research excellence with serving Luxembourg’s national needs? 

We will remain open to the needs of the country and specific local demands, while at the same time aiming for international excellence. In many areas we manage this balance well. For example, in education sciences, the Luxembourg Centre for Educational Testing (LUCET) provides essential services to the national school system through annual monitoring, while also building an internationally recognised database that drives pioneering research. 

The evaluation was very positive. What motivation or inspiration should the research community take from it? 

The key message is that the efforts are worthwhile. The ambition, the hard work, and the dedication of our researchers and support staff are recognised internationally. That recognition confirms we are on the right path.