The Slovenian Society of Evaluators (SDE) and GeoZS cordially invite you to a presentation of the results of the ERA-NET evaluation and a good practice example.

The event will take place in Thursday, 20 November at 14:00 at GeoZS, Dimičeva ulica 14, Ljubljana, in meeting rooms on the 6th floor.

The European Research Area Networks (ERA-NETs) are a key EU instrument for advancing international research in cross-cutting and cross-domain areas. But how do we effectively evaluate the results?

We will present the results of an analysis of 22 ERA-NET evaluation studies, which identified a systemic weakness: the neglect of cross-disciplinary networking, which reinforces disciplinary approaches and undermines the synergistic potential of these networks. As a solution, a new matrix approach to the design of the intervention logic of such complex networks and the evaluation of their outputs is proposed, based on the meta-concept of the "empty middle". This approach shifts the focus from the evaluation of networks as mere research projects to the evaluation of their essential "networkness".

The success of the approach will be demonstrated through an international project GeoERA CoFund Action, which set up the European meta-network in the geosciences. The final impact assessment of the GeoERA project was recognised as a success story and an example of good practice by the ERA Platform.

Presentation programme

• GeoERA project presentation, Jasna Šinigoj (GeoZS)
• Presentation of the GeoERA evaluation, Barbara Simic (GeoZS, SDE)
• Presentation of the results of the evaluation of the research networks, Bojan Radej (SDE)

The presentation will be followed by an informal discussion over refreshments. The event is expected to conclude at 16:00.

The event is free to attend. To facilitate organisation, please confirm your attendance by Tuesday 18 November to sdeval@siol.net or Urska.Solc@GEO-ZS.SI.

You are cordially invited!