Portfolio Evaluation: FWF International Programmes (SUF edition)

In order to assess the additionality and impact of international programme support, we used statistical matching techniques to construct a comparison group of FWF-supported stand-alone projects. FWF’s international programmes mobilise and, thus, support a segment of the Austria-based research community that is able to produce high-quality output with international colleagues. In this light, FWF’s international programmes contribute significantly to the internationalisation of science in Austria.

At the same time, FWF’s contribution cannot change systemic issues that easily (e.g. achieve a further international opening of the Austrian research system). Also, the international programmes seem to support a segment of the Austria-based research community that is already well-established. Young researchers use different instruments to cooperation internationally (mobility, individual fellowship programmes, etc.).