ALF FUNDS. The government has commissioned the Swedish Research Council to evaluate the quality of clinical research in the seven universities counties – an evaluation that will affect the distribution of resources within the ALF-system.
The evaluation will mainly be based on bibliometric data and on peer review of scientific publications. The result of the evaluation shall form part of the basis for the allocation of funds under the ALF agreement. The mission will provide its final report to the Government Offices (Ministry of Education) by March 31, 2018.
According to the ALF agreement the new model for resource allocation will include expert assessments of the evidence and indicators, such as a bibliometric evaluation. The national steering committee for ALF has decided that the evaluation will be carried out based on three aspects: the quality of the scientific production, the clinical importance and societal benefits of the research, as the prequisitions of the research. The Swedish Research Council (VR) is to carry out the evaluation on the basis of these starting points, and after consultation with the steering committee.
From 2019, the allocation of ALF funding will be made using a new model, where 20 percent of the compensation will be allocated based on an evaluation of the clinical research quality. The ALF agreement states that parties shall, by the end of 2016, have agreed on resource allocation model. The basis for the evaluation is to be decided by the national steering committee for ALF. The state conducts evaluations and bears the costs of implementation.
