High Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education

Overview

Haut Conseil de l'évaluation de la recherche et de l'enseignement supérieur (Hcéres) is an independent public authority in France responsible for evaluating higher education institutions, research bodies and their programs. Established by the French Act no. 2013-660 dated July 22, 2013 and operational since November 17, 2014, Hcéres succeeded the AERES (Agence d'Évaluation de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur) to enhance the quality and transparency of evaluations in the French higher education and research sectors. Its primary role is to provide objective assessments that inform public policy and institutional development.

Historical and Legal Framework

Hcéres was created to address the need for a robust and transparent evaluation system in French higher education and research. The establishment followed the enactment of the French Act no. 2013-660, which outlined the framework for the evaluation of these sectors. The decree no. 2014-1365 of November 14, 2014, further defined Hcéres' organizational structure and operational guidelines, ensuring its independence and alignment with European quality assurance standards.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

Hcéres' mission encompasses:

• Evaluating higher education institutions, research bodies and their programs to ensure quality and relevance.
• Validating evaluation procedures conducted by other bodies to maintain consistency and reliability.
• Providing analyses and recommendations to support the improvement of the higher education and research sectors in France.

Its vision is to foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within these sectors, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and societal development.

Governance, Structure and Independence

Hcéres operates as an independent administrative authority. Its governance includes:

• A board comprising 30 members, both French and international, who set the general framework for its actions.
• Eight specialized departments and a general secretariat that coordinate evaluation campaigns and provide functional support.
• Annual mobilization of approximately 3,500 experts to conduct evaluations, supported by scientific advisers and administrative staff.

This structure ensures that Hcéres maintains its independence and objectivity in evaluations, adhering to principles of transparency and fairness.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

Hcéres plays a pivotal role in the accreditation and quality evaluation of higher education institutions and programs. Its processes include:

• Conducting evaluations based on established standards and guidelines, such as the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).
• Providing accreditation decisions that reflect the quality and alignment of programs with national and international expectations.
• Offering services to foreign institutions seeking evaluation and accreditation, ensuring compliance with European quality assurance frameworks.

These activities contribute to maintaining high standards and fostering international recognition of French higher education.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

Hcéres actively participates in international networks to enhance the quality assurance processes in higher education and research. Its memberships include:

• European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA)
• European Consortium for Accreditation (ECA)
• International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE)

Through these affiliations, Hcéres engages in collaborative efforts to develop best practices and align its evaluation procedures with global standards.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Hcéres' evaluations have significant implications for the development of higher education in France. Recent evaluations, such as the comprehensive assessment of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), have highlighted areas for improvement in governance and operational efficiency. The recommendations provided aim to enhance the effectiveness and international competitiveness of French research institutions.

Summary

The Haut Conseil de l'évaluation de la recherche et de l'enseignement supérieur (Hcéres) serves as a cornerstone in ensuring the quality and accountability of higher education and research in France. Through its independent evaluations, adherence to international standards and active participation in global networks, Hcéres contributes to the continuous improvement and international recognition of French academic institutions.

FAQs

• What is the role of Hcéres?
  Hcéres is responsible for evaluating higher education institutions, research bodies and their programs to ensure quality and relevance and for validating evaluation procedures conducted by other bodies.
• When was Hcéres established?
  Hcéres was established by the French Act no. 2013-660 on July 22, 2013 and became operational on November 17, 2014.
• How does Hcéres ensure the quality of its evaluations?
  Hcéres ensures quality by adhering to established standards and guidelines, such as the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) and by involving a diverse group of experts in its evaluation processes.
• Is Hcéres involved in international collaborations?
  Yes, Hcéres is a member of several international networks, including ENQA, ECA and INQAAHE, to enhance the quality assurance processes in higher education and research.
• Can Hcéres evaluate foreign institutions?
  Yes, Hcéres offers evaluation and accreditation services to foreign higher education institutions, ensuring compliance with European quality assurance frameworks.

Organization Name

High Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education
Haut Conseil de l'évaluation de la recherche et de l'enseignement supérieur

Acronym

Hcéres

Year of Establishment

2013

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

2 rue Albert Einstein
Paris
75013 Île-de-France France

Phone

+33 (1) 5555 6010

Fax

n.a.

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Wikipedia Article

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