QADoc study visit to Spain and France: exchange of best practices in external and internal evaluation of doctoral training

From 8 to 10 April 2025, representatives from Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal gathered in Spain and France for a dynamic three-day study visit organised as part of the QADoc project. This programme provided a unique opportunity to exchange best practices on external and internal quality assurance processes in doctoral training.

The visits brought together 24 participants — eight per country — representing national higher education ministries, national quality assurance agencies and partner universities. Each institution involved was represented by two delegates, thereby promoting a collaborative and balanced environment. The European partners — OBREAL, AQU Catalunya, Rovira i Virgili University (URV) and the University of Montpellier (UM) — played a key role in designing and running the programme.

Day 1 kicked off in Barcelona, where participants were welcomed by AQU and OBREAL. AQU led interactive sessions on methods for external evaluation of university research and doctoral training, highlighting practices such as managing external experts and organising evaluation visits. The Doctoral School of the University of Barcelona also shared its feedback on these areas.

On day 2, the group continued their visit to Rovira i Virgili University (URV) in Tarragona. Discussions focused on preparing for accreditation visits in accordance with the AQU standards, highlighting the differences between the AQU standards and the QADoc project framework. Participants explored internal procedures, documentation, and strategies for preparing doctoral programmes for external evaluation.

On day 3, participants were welcomed at the University of Montpellier for a day devoted to institutional self-assessment. The programme included a presentation by UM on its own self-assessment process, an introduction to quality tools for self-diagnosis, and a practical workshop based on a self-assessment management grid.

This study visit was a key milestone for the QADoc project, strengthening capacities, promoting peer learning and laying solid foundations for the next phase of the project: the implementation of pilot assessments within African partner institutions.