VQR 2020–2024: Insubria improves in research quality and stands out in international funding.

The results of the fourth Research Quality Assessment (VQR) for the 2020–2024 period were published on the ANVUR website on 16 April 2026. At national level, the assessment involved almost 200,000 scientific outputs and more than 75,000 researchers. The data can be consulted on the dedicated page: LINK.

For the University of Insubria, the data highlight a significant improvement in research quality and scientific productivity, with an overall strengthening of performance compared with the previous assessment.

The overall indicator relating to IRAS1_2 research outputs increased from 0.64 to 0.753 (+18 per cent). Research outputs by staff in service rose by 28 per cent (IRAS1 equal to 0.821), while those by newly recruited or promoted staff increased by 11 per cent (with a value of 0.714). 

Rector Maria Pierro commented: “The quality of our research is growing and consolidating. Particularly positive is the contribution of new generations: researchers recruited or promoted during the period show an especially commendable average quality, confirming the effectiveness of the University’s recruitment policies.”

Insubria ranks 29th out of 63 state universities, consolidating its presence within the national university system.

Among the most significant results is the one concerning international competitive funding. In the new IRAS5 indicator, the University obtained a value of 1.095, placing it third among Lombardy’s state universities and twelfth nationally. This result highlights its growing ability to attract resources on an international scale and to compete in highly selective contexts. 

“With these results, the University of Insubria demonstrates the growth of its research activities and its ability to secure competitive funding, elements that qualify the University and contribute to excellent teaching and to the development of the local area,” commented Professor Loredano Pollegioni, the Rector’s Delegate for Research and Scientific Innovation.

The VQR results will be considered in the definition of the performance-based share of the Ordinary Financing Fund and represent an important assessment and development tool for university research policies.