As part of the evaluation process, the Research Services and Career Development Unit initially carried out a self-evaluation, followed by a site visit. The international reviewers, chaired by Professor Edwin C. Constable (University of Basel), recognised the following strengths of the unit: „The RSCD Unit has evolved in size and remit in the past two decades and plays a central role in most matters relating to research and early career development at the University of Vienna. The RSCD is very highly regarded by the community it serves (researchers from doctoral candidates to the most senior professor, the Rectorate, and other units of the University of Vienna). The professionalism and expertise of the RSCD are positively received and appreciated. The performance compares positively with similar units at other universities in Austria and international institutions in all aspects of its work.“  

Development potential is seen for the support of postdocs, among other things: “The unit has an opportunity to position itself as a highly visible coordination platform supporting all doctoral candidates, regardless of their formal status within the University of Vienna (Doctoral School, employed, non-employed). There is also an opportunity to initiate and fulfil a similar role for the ill-defined category of postdoctoral researchers.”

The results of the evaluation were discussed in detail by the Rectorate with the leadership of the Research Services and Career Development Unit. A number of expert suggestions for improvement were included in the implementation agreement. The agreed measures are monitored as part of the target agreement process.

Evaluation report and statement of the Research Services and Career Development Unit are available for university members at https://qs.univie.ac.at/en/evaluation/administration-service/evaluation-reports/.