This text has been translated from Norwegian with the assistance of GPT UiO
The international evaluation committee appointed by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) concludes in its report on the department's research: 'The committee's overall evaluation of PSI is highly positive, describing it as very strong overall, with certain aspects standing out as truly excellent'.
– This is an extremely thorough and positive evaluation, showing that PSI largely succeeds in its ambitions to be an active contributor to the international research frontier, says Research Dean Lars Tjelta Westlye at the Faculty of Social Sciences.
He is pleased that the evaluation recognises the high quality of work across the breadth of the department's research, including all academic sections and research centres.
– The entire department was evaluated here. It's clear that PSI is doing a lot right, and I look forward to following the work to implement the recommended measures in the report to further strengthen quality.
Geared for top research
Some strengths highlighted by the evaluation committee include the department's comprehensive research strategy and its ability to address important societal needs academically.
They appreciate the department's research strategy, which emphasises outstanding research, societal impact, and the integration of innovative practices in psychological research and education. Additionally, there is a strong coherence between organisational structure and strategic goals.
– It is a recognition to everyone at PSI that the evaluation committee highlights both the quality of research and how we have organised it, says Head of Department Bjørn Lau.
PSI's research leader, Espen Røysamb, acknowledges the teamwork of the department's staff since 2023 when work began on RCNs national evaluation of medicine and health sciences, abbreviated to EVALMEDHELSE.
– This is fantastic and heartwarming reading. The report is overwhelmingly positive. Behind this lies an enormous effort among the employees at PSI.
Quality across the board
Røysamb highlights the positive assessment received by the department as a whole, where every division receives either an 'excellent' or 'outstanding' rating for research quality.
According to the report, the various divisions excel in different subject areas, contributing to the department's high rating. The success rate in large national and international calls is seen by the committee as a sign of quality, as they write: 'Overall, the committee evaluates PSI as exceptional'.
– This inspires us in our ongoing work with external funding. The combination of an excellent evaluation of the department as an administrative unit and research considered outstanding across various psychological disciplines and topics is a great strength, says Røysamb.
The committee further writes that the organisation's structure is equipped to facilitate robust environments with dedicated resources spread effectively to drive excellent research and coordinate international partnerships.
Head of Department Bjørn Lau explains that PSI has been systematically working on a research strategy that combines academic quality, societal relevance, and interdisciplinary approaches.
– This provides inspiration and direction. At the same time, we cannot rest on our laurels, warns Lau.
Greater predictability
The report also points out some possible challenges for the department moving forward. The committee reports that PSI has become too reliant on external funding and temporary calls, which can be a bureaucratic burden for scientific staff and threaten long-term stability.
As a countermeasure, they recommend PSI diversify its funding sources and explore possibilities for increased funding from the private sector, collaborating with private actors while strengthening administrative research support.
The committee also sees a need for improved gender balance among tenured academic positions, particularly associate professors and professors, as well as better structuring the division of responsibilities between teaching and research.
Challenges are also opportunities
– Let us celebrate now, then roll up our sleeves and work to further strengthen the research. We are already working on organising research support, examining gender balance in top positions, and developing a specific strategy for research infrastructure, says Røysamb.
– High-quality research is contagious but does not sustain itself and must be further supported. We want to ensure that young talents learn from our established top researchers, share expertise, and further develop a culture focused on collaboration and mutual inspiration, adds the research leader.
Research in education
Deputy Head Vibeke Moe is both pleased and proud that the department maintains very high academic quality and that the research is considered highly relevant to various societal challenges related to mental health.
– It is extremely gratifying that our educational programmes receive such positive recognition, not least that the professional education is particularly highlighted. We use a scientist-practitioner model, incorporating research-based teaching with practice and skills training.
– This evaluation is a great source of inspiration to continue the ongoing work we do together to create good research and educational environments for both our staff and students, says Moe.
PSI also receives commendation for positioning itself in such a way that the department has great opportunities to strengthen its role as a world-leading institution in psychological research.
– The evaluation shows what we have achieved and points to what we can achieve further. But it obliges us. To succeed, we must continue to develop quality, community, and innovation, concludes Head of Department Bjørn Lau.
Facts about EVALMEDHELSE
The report concerning the Department of Psychology forms part of the large national report for the evaluation of medicine and health sciences, called EVALMEDHELSE (in Norwegian).
The work on this report has been ongoing for two years, since 2023, commissioned by the Research Council of Norway. The report was launched on April 8th 2025.
The committee (evaluation committee 2), which evaluated the Department of Psychology, was led by Professor Til Wykes from King's College London and consists of six other researchers from universities in Gothenburg, Stockholm, Dublin, London, and Manchester.
Soon the rest of the social sciences at the faculty will be evaluated by the Research Council, known as SAMEVAL, expected in 2026.
– It will be both educational and motivating to have this positive evaluation of PSI with us when the rest of the faculty is evaluated, says the Research Dean at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Lars Tjelta Westlye.