International Conference on Rethinking Research Assessment Held in Bucharest

• November 18, 2024

The Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development, and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI), in partnership with the Open and Universal Science (OPUS) project, Science Europe, the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA), and the UNESCO Chair on Science and Innovation Policies, hosted the Rethinking Research Assessment conference on 14 November 2024. The event took place at the Central University Library Carol I in Bucharest and was also streamed online, providing accessibility to a broader audience.

The conference addressed the urgent need for innovation in research assessment systems, presenting a multifaceted approach that encompassed the perspectives of policymakers, researchers, and organisations. Amid significant global transformations in research assessment, the event highlighted core principles such as quality, transparency, and societal impact as alternatives to traditional metrics.

The event saw 101 participants engaging in meaningful dialogue, with the recording now available on YouTube. The conference marked a significant milestone for Romanian research, elevating awareness and fostering institutional-level discussions. These conversations are now focusing on actionable steps to be included in the CoARA Action Plan, which is under development. Furthermore, efforts are underway to extend the OPUS research organisation pilots’ requirements to other funding programmes, with strong potential to establish these measures as standard practice.

For the first time in Romania, research assessment was analysed through three distinct lenses:

• Policies for Research Assessment: Examining the evolution of policies to reflect the diverse values and goals of the contemporary academic landscape.
• Researchers on Research Assessment: Exploring researchers’ perspectives on current assessment practices and how these practices influence their careers and contributions.
• Use Cases on Research Assessment: Investigating how research organisations implement and adapt assessment frameworks, addressing challenges and aligning with global standards.

Key sessions discussed thoroughly policies, reforms, and institutional case studies, offering insights from prominent speakers such as Adrian Curaj (Director-General, UEFISCDI), Gareth O’Neill (Technopolis Group, OPUS Project), and Lidia Borell-Damian (Secretary-General, Science Europe). The event also featured contributions from organisations like the European Commission, CNRS, and NWO, ensuring a rich exchange of ideas and strategies.