1. Aalto University Research Assessment Exercise 2008-2009 30 January 2009

2. Steering Committee and Team The Board of the Aalto University Foundation appointed the members of the Steering committee on September 19 –Prof. Marja Makarow, Chair –Prof. Jarl-Thure Eriksson, TUT –D.Sc. (Econ.) Mikko Kosonen, Sitra –Prof. Arto Mustajoki, UH –Project Manager, PhD Antti Saaristo, HSE, Secretary –Vice-Rector Tuula Teeri, KTH Stockholm, special advisor Vice Rectors responsible for research TKK Outi Krause, Chair TaiK Pekka Korvenmaa HSE Timo Saarinen  Pekka Korhonen Senior researchers from each university TKK: Prof. Mikko Paalanen TaiK: Prof Yrjänä Levanto HSE: Prof. Matti Keloharju HSE/INSEAD: Prof. Yves Doz, special advisor Project Manager, PhD Antti Saaristo, HSE, Secretary

3. Objectives of the Exercise Focus on the mapping of the quality and potential of the Aalto University Units of Assessment with regard to the international level – and on how to support the Units to become world-class. A Developing Exercise Identification of the Units which are at the outstanding international level; which have the most promising potential for research excellence; and which require additional support Encourage world-class research in the Units Improve the assessment process One of the best ways for the Units to bring their own views on how to develop the Units’ research possibilities to the attention of the Board, the President and the Transformation Team.

4. Assessment methods Collecting research outputs (publication data, bibliometric data from the ISI and Scopus databases, other research results) for the period Jan 1, 2003 – Dec. 31, 2007 for each person involved Self-assessment (including own assessment concerning significant research results and future plans) Assessment panels –made up of independent, international experts Assessment is based on site visits to the Units of Assessment, in addition to the material described above – site visits during the week 24; 8–12 June, 2009

5. Assessment Criteria Each Panel is asked to present in its report: a general statement concerning the focus, structure and performance of the Unit of Assessment a numerical rating and a written statement of the quality of the research of the Unit of Assessment a numerical rating and a written statement of the impact of the research of the Unit of Assessment on the international scientific community a numerical rating and a written statement of the interaction between the research of the Unit of Assessment and society at large a numerical rating and a written statement of the strengths and weaknesses of the research environment at the Unit of Assessment a numerical rating and a written statement of the future potential of the Unit of Assessment recommendations for the future

6. Numerical Rating Scale In addition to the written statements numerical rating with scale –5 Outstanding International Level –4 Very good International Level –3 Good International Level –2 Fair International Level –1 Emerging International Level The Panels are instructed to assess the Units in relation to the international quality-level in the Unit’s field of research. The Units are not compared with each other.

7. Utilisation of the Assessment results An important instrument for the Board of the Aalto University and the President in formulating of the University’s research strategy and in defining research focus areas. An important instrument for the Aalto Transformation Team in developing research practices. An important instrument in the strategic allocation of research funds. Form the reference point for the future research assessments of the Aalto University.

8. What does this mean? The definition of Outstanding means that few Units of Assessment will reach the highest rating. Because the assessment exercise is developing and strategic by nature its results (i.e. numerical rating) do not directly define the research funding (i.e. a higher rating does not necessary mean higher funding). The assessment results will be one element in defining research focus areas of the Aalto University. The research funding within focus areas will be based on excellence and potential of the Unit to become a world-class research unit.