Q&A

What is IRRP2024?

What is IRRP2024?

IRRP2024 is an independent peer assessment of the quality of research at the University of Galway. 

What will be assessed? 

The required number of the highest quality publications from staff contracted to carry out research and independent researchers, a School Research Environment Report and the required number of Research Impact Case Studies will be assessed for each School. 

What is the period of assessment? 

Publications must have been originally published within the pre-defined seven year period. Impact Case Studies should have been completed or impacted society within this same seven year period. 

Who will be assessed? 

All eighteen Schools. Colleges, Research Institutes or individual academics will not be assessed directly. 

What is an independent researcher?

An independent researcher is defined as an individual who undertakes self-directed research, or who leads in their own right with independent externally funded research rather than carrying out research under the supervision or overall leadership of others. Independent Researchers must be affiliated to the School in order to be eligible to submit an output for assessment.

How will quality be assessed? 

A number of independent reviewers will read and then assign ratings to each publication, Impact Case Study and Research Environment Report. Reviewers will also provide narrative feedback on strengths and recommendations for improvement. 
  
What do I need to do? 

Provide at least one of your highest quality publications over the seven year period. You may also work with colleagues in creating a small number of 3-page Impact Case Studies (one per ten members of staff) and in creating one 10-page School Research Environment Report.

What if I do not have research outputs? 

You may have personal circumstances that meant you could not produce high quality research outputs. Submit the Research Output that you do have or declare personal circumstances. This declaration can be agreed with your Head of School or alternatively, emailed to an independent expert who will keep your information in strict confidence and will only report on all reasons given by the whole School, without attribution to any one individual. The independent expert is Prof Lucy Vickers of Oxford-Brooks University who is mandated to take decisions necessary to protect individuals from having personal circumstances disclosed. 

Will my research be assessed accurately and without bias? 

At least two reviewers from your subject area will assess each research output and assign a quality rating. These reviewers will be experts in their field and experienced in research assessment.  Reviewers are asked to confirm that they have received equality, gender and unconscious bias training. 

Is IRRP2024 the same as REF2021 in the UK? 

IRRP2024 has similarities to REF2021(UK) but there are also significant differences. Similarities include peer-assessment and assigning ratings. The principle differences are that all University of Galway permanent and fixed term academic staff contracted to carry out research will participate. In REF2021(UK) only staff with the highest quality research outputs are invited to participate. One of the effects of this is that it is impossible to compare quality ratings of Schools from both systems. Another effect is that University of Galway can reasonably expect to see a wide distribution of ratings across all five rating categories. 

Who are the reviewers? 

The names of the four Overall Chairs are available. Overall Chairs select Panel Chairs who in turn will select a numbers or Reviewers (or Readers) for each subject area.  Panel Chairs and Readers will remain anonymous. Overall Chairs and Panel Chairs will visit University of Galway twice annually to prepare for the research assessment and to deliver results. Readers will conduct their assessment abroad and will not visit the University of Galway. 

Is my performance confidential? 

Yes. Reviewers will rate your publication(s) but will not return ratings to the University. Only aggregated ratings for all of your School or subject area will be returned. Reviewers are also asked to sign a confidentiality declaration. All original data will be destroyed by reviewers. 

Will there be other research assessments? 

Yes. Research assessment is already done by many Schools at University of Galway on an annual basis. IRRP2024 is the second peer-assessment and will be followed by repeat assessments in the future. 

Why conduct a peer assessment? 

The Irish Universities Act, 1997 requires University of Galway to periodically evaluate the quality of our activities using peer review. Research assessment is common practice in many University sectors abroad.

Where can I get more information? 

Please contact your Head of School or Dean for more information.  The Quality Office may also be contacted for independent and confidential information and advice.