The SEP lists a large number of requirements that should be met by the members of the international assessment committee (p. 43). Most of these are obvious, such as impartiality and expertise. The committee should also include a PhD student.
In addition to all the points mentioned in the SEP, it is advisable to keep the following considerations in mind:
- The composition of the committee is partly dependent on the aggregation level.
- If an institution has opted for a layered evaluation consisting of an overarching part with sub-units below this (e.g., a faculty part with separate parts for research institutes), consider selecting a member/chair who will participate in all assessments.
- Ensure that there is sufficient breadth in the committee’s expertise and work processes, so as to avoid parts of the research unit in effect being covered and/or assessed by a single specialist.
- Select members whose contribution can be expected to help the unit to progress and improve, both in terms of strategy and results.
- Ensure there is sufficient expertise in the Dutch and international knowledge landscape within the committee, in any case on the part of the chair.
- The importance of having a qualified secretary cannot be emphasised enough; someone who is able to write and organise, is somewhat familiar with the field and, above all, knows what is expected. In many cases, the secretary is the only real expert in the group when it comes to SEP assessments. One of the secretary’s key tasks is thus to explain the procedure and the goal, as set out in the ToR and the SEP, starting with the international members of the committee.