In recent years, the landscape of research assessment has come under scrutiny. Traditional metrics have often failed to capture the multifaceted nature of research outputs, practices, and impacts. The Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) emerges as a pivotal initiative addressing these shortcomings by establishing a new paradigm for evaluating research and its contributors. This article explores the goals and processes of CoARA and its critical relevance to the EDUC-WIDE project.
Understanding CoARA
At its core, CoARA envisions an assessment system that recognizes and values diverse research outputs, practices, and activities that enhance the quality and impact of research. The Coalition promotes an approach that emphasizes qualitative judgments, with peer review serving as its foundation, while also acknowledging the responsible use of quantitative indicators. This shift aims to create a more comprehensive understanding of research value, moving beyond simplistic metrics to a system that better reflects the complexity of scholarly work.
The Agreement: A Framework for Reform
Central to CoARA's mission is the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment, which outlines ten commitments guiding the transition toward improved research assessment practices. This Agreement sets a shared direction for organizations committed to reform while respecting their autonomy. It delineates principles, commitments, and a timeline for the necessary reforms, establishing a framework for collaboration among organizations willing to engage in these transformative efforts.
Signatories to the Agreement are united in their common vision: to create assessment practices that recognize the diverse nature of research contributions and foster an environment conducive to high-quality, impactful research. By prioritizing qualitative judgment and peer review, CoARA offers a more nuanced understanding of research excellence, fostering a culture of integrity and collaboration.
CoARA's Collaborative Approach
CoARA aims to create an inclusive and collaborative space where stakeholders can work together toward a more efficient and impactful research system. It provides a platform for piloting and experimentation, encouraging the development of new assessment criteria, methods, and tools. This collaborative ethos facilitates the exchange of good practices and mutual learning among participating organizations.
Importantly, CoARA respects the autonomy of individual organizations, allowing them to tailor their reform journeys according to their specific contexts, goals, and missions. This flexibility ensures that the implementation of the Agreement's commitments can be adapted to the unique needs of diverse research environments, be they national, disciplinary, or institutional.
CoARA and the EDUC-WIDE Project
The connection between CoARA and the EDUC-WIDE project is both significant and strategic. As part of the EDUC alliance, we are committed to developing cooperation mechanisms that enhance the joint and local institutional reform programs of our nine partner universities. By integrating the principles of CoARA into our framework, we aim to cultivate an environment that nurtures excellence by rewarding openness, quality, impact, and diversity.
The Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment stands as a beacon for transformative change in research evaluation. Its focus on qualitative judgments, peer review, and diverse research outputs aligns seamlessly with the goals of the EDUC-WIDE project. By integrating CoARA's principles into our reform efforts, we not only enhance the R&I culture within our alliance but also contribute to a broader movement towards a more inclusive, impactful, and effective research ecosystem. Together, we can ensure that research assessment truly reflects the richness of scholarly contributions and the diverse pathways to knowledge creation.