Based on the Act on Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education and upon a request by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports (MSES), the Agency for Science and Higher Education launched the procedure of thematic evaluation of research vessels (marine research facilities) in 2013.
The Minister of Science, Education and Sports submitted the proposal to launch thematic evaluation of research vessels, the construction of which was financed by MSES, to the Agency for Science and Higher Education on February 15th, 2013. The Ministry also finances the annual overhaul of the vessels depending on the available funds.
It involves six research vessels of three institutes:
- Institute for Marine and Coastal Research, University of Dubrovnik (vessels: Baldo Kosic II and Naše more)
- Institute for Oceanography and Fisheries, Split (vessel Bios II)
- Ruđer Bošković Institute (vessels: Burin, Triton and Vila Velebita).
Based on expert panel reviews in the re-accreditation procedures and the data analysis on funding, equipment and scientific productivity, the final report was made at the beginning of 2014.