International evaluation panel visited BUT as part of a five-year evaluation of higher education institutions

From June 9 to 12, 2025, the Brno University of Technology hosted a visit from the International Evaluation Panel (IEP), which, as part of a five-year cycle of university evaluations, assesses the quality, societal impact, and strategic direction of research and development activities at the university.

Members of the International evaluation panel at the BUT Rector's Office. | Author: Václav Koníček

The visit is part of the second comprehensive evaluation of research organizations in the higher education sector under the new Methodology VŠ2025+, approved by the Czech government in October 2024. The evaluation takes place in 3 modules (3–5), which include a self-assessment report by the university and its individual faculties and institutes, as well as an on-site visit by evaluators. The entire process is overseen by a methodology expert from the Ministry of Education, who was also present during the evaluation visit.

Members of the International Evaluation Panel in discussion at CEITEC BUT. | Author: Václav Koníček

Comprehensive survey across faculties and institutes

During the four-day visit, IEP members visited faculties and university institutes of BUT, where they held structured discussions with representatives of the leadership of individual units, research and academic staff at all levels, and doctoral and master's students. The goal was to gain deeper insight into the societal impact of research, the management of research activities, support for excellence, internal motivation of staff, and conditions for study and research.

International Evaluation Panel at the Faculty of Fine Arts, BUT. | Author: Václav Koníček

Discussion on strategy and future

The IEP also met with the leadership of BUT to discuss the setup of science and research support at the university level, funding, cooperation with partners, and the strategic direction of BUT for the period 2025–2029. The program also included tours of selected laboratories and research facilities, where panel members saw examples of top infrastructure and projects implemented across the university.

International Evaluation Panel at the Institute of Forensic Engineering, BUT. | Author: Václav Koníček

Next steps

The outcome of the evaluation will be an evaluation report, which the International Evaluation Panel (IEP) is to submit by the end of October. Subsequently, the rector of BUT will have the opportunity to comment on its conclusions.

Based on the evaluation report and after a tripartite meeting (Ministry of Education, RVVI, Czech Rectors Conference), BUT will be placed into one of the categories (A–D). This classification will be valid for the entire following five-year period and will also affect the amount of institutional support from the state budget for research and development. The evaluation results will be published no later than March 2026.