APPEAR II mid-term evaluation 2019
The evaluation focused on the second phase of the programme (APPEAR II) and aimed to provide recommendations and lessons learned for a possible third phase.
The evaluation found that APPEAR II was highly relevant and aligned with international and Austrian frameworks for scientific cooperation in development. It effectively improved teaching and research capacities and promoted cooperation between participating institutions. However, there were areas for improvement, such as harmonizing different programmes, connecting inexperienced universities with potential partners, and enhancing the monitoring system.
The report provided seven recommendations, including continuing the programme while strengthening its added values, adding new instruments to improve organizational capacities and research uptake, bridging the gap between scholarships and programme objectives, developing a results-oriented monitoring system, improving public relations, revising the Gender Strategy to address obstacles faced by women, and creating synergies with other programmes.
Overall, the evaluation recognized the significance and importance of the APPEAR II programme, particularly in terms of its partnerships, its attention to the rights and needs of people with disabilities, and its open access requirement.
Find here the mid-term evaluation of APPEAR II that was finalised in September 2019