New European Commission report “Research assessment reform: the way forward”

The European Commission has published a new report summarizing the results of extensive consultations with European and international stakeholders between March and November 2021.

The consultation with stakeholders focused on how to facilitate and accelerate reform of the research evaluation system so that the quality, performance, and impact of research and researchers are assessed based on more appropriate criteria and processes. The report identifies goals, principles, and actions that could be agreed upon by the organizations responsible for evaluating research projects, researchers, research units, and research institutions.

The consultation suggests that evaluation should promote qualitative judgment with peer review, supported by the responsible use of quantitative indicators. It should reward the quality and (potential) impact of research, as well as research that meets the highest standards of ethics and integrity. It should consider and value the diversity of research activities and outcomes, as well as the transparency of research processes and methods. It should value teamwork and support the diverse profiles and career paths of researchers.

The report also proposes a way forward for implementing these principles and actions. This would consist of a European agreement to be signed by the various research funding bodies, research organizations, and national and regional evaluation authorities and agencies, as well as their associations, all of whom would be committed to reforming the current research evaluation system.

More information: https://ec.europa.eu/info/news/reforming-research-assessment-way-forward-2021-nov-30_en