Nova University Leads the Way in Research Assessment Reform

• August 20, 2024

Nova University is at the forefront of reshaping research assessment as part of its commitment to open science and international standards. As one of the pilots in the Open and Universal Science (OPUS) project, Nova University is actively working to reform research evaluation processes, ensuring they incentivize practices that enhance the quality and societal impact of research.

An early signatory of the agreement on reforming research assessment, Nova University has made significant strides, including revising its regulation on the evaluation of researcher performance to align with international standards and the principles of responsible research assessment (QUOR). This revision is part of a broader effort to acknowledge diverse research outputs and encourage practices that improve research quality and impact.

One notable initiative is the Nova Research Impact Narratives Challenge, launched last year, which encourages faculty and researchers to articulate the real-world impact of their research in a compelling and understandable way. This initiative underscores the university’s focus on moving beyond traditional bibliometrics and funding metrics, highlighting how research benefits society at large.

Nova University recognizes that reforming research assessment is a cultural change that requires time and gradual implementation. With nine diverse schools spread across the Lisbon metropolitan area, the university faces the challenge of balancing quantitative and qualitative performance indicators while accommodating the unique needs of different disciplines.

To support these efforts, Nova University is also working towards obtaining the HR Excellence in Research Award, aligning its human resource policies with European Commission principles, including those related to the recruitment and assessment of researchers.

Through participation in projects like OPUS, Nova University reflects on its practices, exchanges experiences with partners, and drives positive change. The university is piloting new ways of assessing research, particularly in areas like citizen science projects and software development, to better align with global open science strategies and best practices.

Nova University’s commitment to research assessment reform is paving the way for a more inclusive, impactful, and internationally aligned research environment.