Impact of the pandemic and continuity of the assessment model
In 2020, due to the COVID‑19 pandemic, no standard assessments of CERCA centres were carried out. Despite this temporary interruption, the assessment system resumed fully in the following period, maintaining its principles of rigour, transparency and quality.
The third assessment cycle (2021–2024)
Between 2021 and 2024, the third CERCA Assessment cycle was conducted. During this period, the same assessment questionnaire was retained, with minor adjustments, in order to ensure methodological continuity while adapting to new contexts and challenges within the research system.
In total, 42 CERCA centres were assessed, with strong participation from the international scientific community.
A process with a strong international dimension
The process involved 146 evaluators, a figure that rises to 204 participants when members of the centres’ external scientific advisory boards are included.
Of these, 134 evaluators (91.8%) were affiliated with foreign institutions, reinforcing the independent, rigorous and international nature of the CERCA Assessment system.
From a gender perspective, 45 women took part, representing 31% of all evaluators.
Assessment as a quality and continuous improvement tool
These figures highlight the robustness of the CERCA Assessment model and its key role in supporting continuous improvement, strengthening international positioning, and reinforcing the Catalan research system.
