As part of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Aalborg University, in collaboration with the European Commission and international partners, recently hosted the EU High-Level Conference on Reforming Research Assessment. This conference, held on 29-30 January 2020, brought together key stakeholders from the research community to discuss and address the pressing need for reform in the way research is evaluated.
The conference was a significant step towards promoting a more responsible and effective research assessment system in Europe. It was attended by representatives from universities, research institutions, funding agencies, and policy makers, all of whom shared a common goal – to improve the quality and impact of research in Europe.
The need for reform in research assessment has been a topic of discussion for many years. Traditional methods of evaluation, such as the use of journal impact factors and publication metrics, have been criticized for their narrow focus on quantity rather than quality. This has led to a culture of “publish or perish” and has put undue pressure on researchers to produce a high volume of publications, often at the expense of quality and innovation.
The EU High-Level Conference on Reforming Research Assessment aimed to address these issues and pave the way for a more responsible and transparent evaluation system. The conference focused on three main themes: responsible metrics, open science, and research integrity. These themes were chosen to reflect the key challenges facing the research community and to provide a framework for discussions and recommendations.
One of the key outcomes of the conference was the adoption of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). This declaration, which has already been signed by over 1,000 organizations worldwide, calls for the elimination of the use of journal-based metrics in funding, hiring, and promotion decisions. It also emphasizes the need for a more holistic approach to research evaluation, taking into account factors such as the quality and impact of research, as well as the researcher’s contributions to their field and society.
The conference also highlighted the importance of open science in promoting responsible research assessment. Open science, which encompasses practices such as open access publishing and data sharing, has the potential to increase the transparency and reproducibility of research, as well as promote collaboration and innovation. The European Commission has already taken steps towards promoting open science through initiatives such as the European Open Science Cloud and the Plan S for open access publishing.
Another important aspect of research assessment that was discussed at the conference was research integrity. With the increasing pressure to publish and secure funding, cases of research misconduct and fraud have become a growing concern. The conference emphasized the need for a culture of research integrity, where ethical conduct and responsible practices are valued and promoted.
The EU High-Level Conference on Reforming Research Assessment was a significant event that brought together diverse perspectives and expertise to address the challenges facing the research community. It provided a platform for open and constructive discussions, resulting in concrete recommendations and actions for promoting responsible research assessment.
The conference also highlighted the role of universities in driving change and promoting responsible research assessment. As institutions at the forefront of research, universities have a responsibility to foster a culture of excellence and integrity. They can do this by implementing responsible evaluation practices, promoting open science, and providing support and training for researchers.
In conclusion, the EU High-Level Conference on Reforming Research Assessment was a resounding success, with participants expressing their commitment to implementing the recommendations and promoting responsible research assessment in their respective organizations. This conference marks a significant step towards a more responsible, transparent, and effective research evaluation system in Europe. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these efforts on the research community and society as a whole.
