CRIS developments at Hasselt University

Abstract

Hasselt University is in the process of rethinking its research information infrastructure. The current CRIS (Current Research Information System) landscape, made up of various custom-built applications and highly specific workflows, has become increasingly complex and places a growing strain on IT capacity. As it stands, this setup is no longer sustainable nor scalable for the university’s future needs.

The first phase of the transition towards a new CRIS landscape involved a high-level exploration of CRIS platforms. This included reviewing leading vendors, analyzing core system components, and comparing these with Hasselt University’s existing IT landscape. These efforts helped identify key business stakeholders and guided discussions on needs, processes, workflows and expectations. At the same time, the current research project lifecycle ("as-is" situation) was mapped out.

To build internal understanding and align expectations, vendor demonstrations were held, giving stakeholders a clearer picture of what modern CRIS solutions can offer. These insights informed the creation of functional requirements, which were then used to gather structured feedback via a Request for Information (RFI). This process helped drive focused conversations and shape the path forward. The project is now nearing the end of its market research phase.

This session will share the strategic approach, key lessons learned, and reflections on Hasselt University’s journey toward a more integrated, future-ready research information environment.