Simula achieves top scores in the national ICT evaluation
In a national evaluation of research in ICT, 62 research groups from 13 Norwegian institutions were scored on a scale from one to five. Of these, only five groups were awarded the highest score (5), showing that they have “international leadership, visibility, and vision”. Two of these groups are located at Simula Research Laboratory, two are at the Department of Informatics at the University of Bergen, and one is at Department of Engineering Cybernetics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
On assignment from the Research Council of Norway, a committee of eight internationally leading scientists has evaluated the ICT research in all Norwegian universities and colleges. In total, the evaluation covered 13 institutions, also including the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), Simula Research Laboratory, SINTEF ICT, and the University Graduate Centre at Kjeller (UNIK). The committee’s report has now been published.
Each of the research groups under evaluation has been awarded a score between 1 and 5, where 5 is defined as excellent in the meaning of having “international leadership, visibility, and vision”. Simula achieved the score 5 for research in Scientific Computing, 5 in Software Engineering, and 4 in Communication Systems. Two top scores were also given to Department of Informatics at the University of Bergen for research conducted in the Algorithms group and in the Selmer Centre. In addition, the Control Systems group at Department of Engineering Cybernetics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology received the top mark. Observing that only five of the 62 groups evaluated nationally have been awarded the top score, these results place Simula in a leading position together with the University of Bergen.
In its assessment, the evaluation committee states that “Simula has, by most measures, been a substantial success and lead to the creation of a center of international visibility. Many of the research activities provide international leadership and Simula is a substantial resource for research and education in ICT.” The committee also observes “The connections to industry are strong and provide examples for other universities and research institutes on how to establish such connections without impacting the depth of the research.”
In its recommendations, the committee points to Simula’s potential for taking national responsibility in ICT research and education. In this context, the committee expresses concern about whether Simula’s strong focus on international collaboration can be combined with such a national role.
“The management of Simula highly appreciates the outstanding results of this evaluation and conveys its congratulations and deep admiration to all employees for their success”, says the leader of the Simula centre, professor Aslak Tveito. “The recommendations and advice provided by the evaluation committee will be valuable input to upcoming discussions on Simula’s future strategy for research and education”, concludes Tveito.
For more information, please contact Professor Are Magnus Bruaset (+47 926 10 063 / arem@simula.no).
