We do not know who will be selected and therefore chose to speak to Ziad Hijazi, who was one of the respondents at the last evaluation in 2018. Ziad is a senior consultant and docent of cardiology at Uppsala University and Uppsala University Hospital (Akademiska sjukhuset).
Ziad, you were one of the respondents to the survey at the last ALF evaluation in 2018. How did you experience the survey?
“The survey was divided into two parts. One with a web link and questions that I found relatively easy to answer. The second part consisted of free answers. It gave me a good opportunity to reflect and to think through such an important and urgent topic.”
What do you know about the evaluation that is going on now?
“During the autumn of 2021, I have attended information meetings about the evaluation and I have also read through some documents on the web that the faculty provides. In fact, it has given me good insights into both the evaluation and what Uppsala University actually does to promote research in the region.”
Why is it important to participate in the ALF evaluation?
“It is a national evaluation of the quality of clinical research, and it is carried out every four years. Since the result forms the basis for allocating a fairly large part of our funding for clinical research, it is very important that we actually get the opportunity to describe our work and tell about Uppsala. It is about our future as clinical researchers – and ultimately the health of our patients.”
We also asked Karin Forsberg-Nilsson, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, a few questions. Karin is a member of the steering group for the evaluation in Uppsala. Karin is also a member of the national steering group.
What happens next?
“All researchers and PhD students who will respond to the survey must do so before 4 April. The working groups we have for other parts of the evaluation, will, during the spring, work with documentation requested by the Swedish Research Council (VR). During the autumn, VR will have hearings with the ALF region, where internationally composed expert panels evaluate and assess what we in Uppsala deliver. VR will report in 2023.”
How can those who respond to the survey find more information?
“On 14–15 March, the project group will arrange a webinar with questions and answers, where those who want can connect and ask questions about the survey and the evaluation. We also publish ongoing information on the web.”