The ULAP RAE 2022–2023 is the second research evaluation carried out at the University of Lapland, and it is the first to produce a coherent overall view of research conducted at the University. The aim was to provide an analytical description of the research carried out at the University, the disciplinary and thematic spectrum of research, the key research environments, collaborations, and the relation of each Unit of Assessment’s research to the University’s strategy and research profile.

The assessment was based on peer-review by an external panel, which was selected from among highly regarded international experts in their fields. The Units of
Assessment proposed suggestions for experts to be invited to the panel, the only requirement being that at least one member of the panel was to be familiar with the Finnish higher education sector. The panelists were: Professor Sue Scott (University of Newcastle, UK / University of Helsinki, chair), Professor Pertti Alasuutari (Tampere University), Dean Hanna Johansson (Academy of Fine Arts, Uniarts Helsinki), Associate Professor Nina Kirchner (Department of Natural Geography, Stockholm University), Professor emeritus Paul Kirschner (Educational Sciences, Open University of the Netherlands), and Professor Cecilia Magnusson-Sjöberg (Department of Law, Stockholm University).

The report written by the Panel was informed by self-assessment reports of the staff of the university and interviews that took place in Rovaniemi. The panel concluded that the University of Lapland has much to be proud of and has clearly made a significant commitment to develop research across the whole institution. The staff seemed to be motivated and happy to work at the small, yet multidisciplinary environment.

The report includes several suggestions to enhance research and internationalisation.

Erja Salmenkivi, Petra Falin, Pirjo Kleemola-Jutunen & Taina Saarenpää (eds.) University of Lapland Research Assessment Exercise 2022–2023