CoARA

Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment

CoARA logoIn September 2023, the University of Namur, signed the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment and has therefore joined a community of 644 signatories.  

 

The Agreement

The Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment, based on 10 commitments, sets a shared direction for changes in assessment practices for research, researchers and research performing organisations, with the overarching goal to maximise the quality and impact of research. The Agreement includes the principles, commitments and timeframe for reforms and lays out the principles for a Coalition of organisations willing to work together in implementing the changes.

To know more : CoARA

The Commitments

1. Recognise the diversity of contributions to, and careers in, research in accordance with the needs and nature of the research

2. Base research assessment primarily on qualitative evaluation for which peer review is central, supported by responsible use of quantitative indicators

3. Abandon inappropriate uses in research assessment of journal- and publication-based metrics, in particular inappropriate uses of Journal Impact Factor (JIF) and h-index

4. Avoid the use of rankings of research organisations in research assessment

5. Commit resources to reforming research assessment as is needed to achieve the organisational changes committed to

6. Review and develop research assessment criteria, tools and processes

7. Raise awareness of research assessment reform and provide transparent communication, guidance, and training on assessment criteria and processes as well as their use

8. Exchange practices and experiences to enable mutual learning within and beyond the Coalition

9. Communicate progress made on adherence to the Principles and implementation of the Commitments

10. Evaluate practices, criteria and tools based on solid evidence and the state-of-the-art in research on research, and make data openly available for evidence gathering and research. 

SIGNATORIES

The agreement is open for signature to organisations from across the world. As of 26 October 2023, 644 organisations have signed the agreement. The UNamur has joined the signatories in September 2023.

More info here.

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