Reforming Research Assessment to Foster an Open and Socially Responsive Research Culture

• April 30, 2024

The traditional paradigm of research assessment, long plagued by a “publish or perish” ethos, is undergoing a much-needed evolution. Prioritizing quantity over quality and prestige over integrity, the prevailing system often stifles innovation and hampers inclusivity. However, a wave of initiatives spearheaded by organizations like the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), the Latin American Forum on Research Assessment (FOLEC-CLACSO), and the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) is challenging this status quo.

In a landmark collaboration between CoARA, the Global Young Academy (GYA), and ALLEA, a workshop convened at the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) in Washington, DC, to delve into the urgent need for reform. The event, planned on May 6, 2024, both in-person and online, will draw together luminaries in the fields of Open Science, research integrity, and academia at large. Under the theme “Reforming Research Assessment to Foster an Open and Socially Responsive Research Culture,” the workshop aims to explore transformative strategies and their implications, particularly for early-career researchers.

The event will be moderated by Luciana Balboa, a distinguished member of CoARA’s steering board. Balboa adeptly guided the conversation through multifaceted discussions, ensuring a comprehensive examination of the issues at hand.

Among the esteemed speakers are:

Véronique Kiermer – Chief Scientific Officer at the Public Library of Science (PLOS) and a member of the US National Academy of Sciences Strategic Council on Research Excellence, Integrity, and Trust. Kiermer’s insights offered a nuanced perspective on the intersection of research quality and ethical integrity.

Brian Nosek – Co-founder and Executive Director of the Center for Open Science. Nosek’s pioneering work in advocating for open and reproducible research practices provided valuable insights into the ongoing transformation of scholarly communication.

Ismael Ràfols – UNESCO Chair on Diversity and Inclusion in Global Science at Leiden University. Ràfols brought to the table a crucial examination of how diversity and inclusion intersect with research assessment frameworks, emphasizing the importance of equitable evaluation practices.

Laura Rovelli – Coordinator of the Latin American Forum for Research Assessment at the Latin American Council of Social Sciences. Rovelli’s contributions shed light on the regional dynamics of research assessment and highlighted the importance of localized approaches to reform.

Karen Stroobants – Another esteemed member of CoARA’s steering board, Stroobants provided invaluable insights into the coalition’s efforts and the broader landscape of research assessment reform.

The dialogue, rich with diverse perspectives and experiences, underscores the urgency of reshaping research culture to foster openness, integrity, and inclusivity. Participants can engage in robust discussions, examining concrete steps toward reform and emphasizing the need for collaborative action across institutions and disciplines.

The workshop will leave participants invigorated and inspired to champion meaningful change in research assessment practices. By fostering a culture that values quality, integrity, and equity, the path forward promises to be one of progress and renewal in academia and beyond.

Find out more information and reserve your spot.