University of Cyprus Advances Research Assessment with OPUS Project

• August 21, 2024

The University of Cyprus is making significant strides in enhancing research assessments and promoting open science through its participation in the OPUS project. As a research-performing organization pilot, the university is aligning with European Union directives to improve its open science practices and research assessment processes.

The University of Cyprus has already demonstrated its commitment to this cause by signing both the DORA Declaration and the COARA agreement. These commitments have led the university to review and revise its research assessment policies and practices. A key strength identified through this self-assessment process is the balanced use of both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods, ensuring that all research assessments, whether for hiring, promotion, or grant evaluation, incorporate a mix of metrics.

However, the university acknowledges challenges, such as the lack of official recognition for peer review contributions and an implicit bias towards publications in high-impact journals. There is also a need to place greater importance on locally relevant research and the broader impacts of research, such as economic, societal, and open science contributions.

Despite these challenges, the introduction of the OPUS research assessment framework is already making a positive impact. It has provided a clearer context for open science activities and helped the university map out potential actions for further integrating open science into its research assessments. By reflecting on the OPUS framework, the University of Cyprus is building a pilot that aims to significantly improve research assessment processes, with a particular focus on embedding open science at all levels.