University deepens its commitments to responsible research assessment

The University of Exeter has joined a global movement aimed at transforming the way research is evaluated, making it fairer and more inclusive.

The University has signed the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment, a commitment by hundreds of organisations worldwide to recognise the diversity of contributions that go into research. As part of this, Exeter has also joined the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA).

Historically, research assessment methods have sometimes relied upon publication-based metrics, such as citation numbers or using the impact rating of a journal as a proxy for the quality of an individual’s work.

But the agreement, which builds on the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DoRA), places peer review at the heart of this process. Built around four core commitments, it will require the University to develop an associated plan over the coming year, which will be revisited after five years.

The University already meets most of these commitments, but the collaborative nature of CoARA, along with the framework and action planning process, will provide the impetus for continued positive change.

“Joining CoARA cements our support for the responsible research assessment movement, which forms a core part of our thriving research culture,” said Professor Krasimira Tsaneva, Vice-President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Impact). “CoARA’s commitments are not only the right thing to do for our research community, but are central to our vision for an inclusive, ambitious and globally recognised University, as set out in our Strategy 2030. The framework, action plan and partnership opportunities that CoARA provides will be critical in enabling the University to recognise excellence in all its forms, and to attract, nurture and retain outstanding researchers across our disciplines and at every career stage.”

To date, more than 800 organisations worldwide and 30 in the UK have signed. In addition to universities, UK signatories include the Wellcome Trust, UKRI, UKRIO (UK Research Integrity Office) and UKRN (UK Reproducibility Network).

Dr Stuart King, UK CoARA National Chapter co-lead at Loughborough University, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome the University of Exeter to the UK CoARA National Chapter. Their commitment to advancing responsible research assessment strengthens our shared ambition to drive real change in how research is assessed across the UK.

“As a community-led group of organisations that perform, enable and assess research, the National Chapter is proud to provide a forum to reflect on our collective hopes and challenges, exchange good practice, and put CoARA’s principles into action, together. Now, with the University of Exeter on board, we’re looking forward to growing our opportunities to learn from one another, amplifying our collective voice, and extending our reach to support more of the UK research sector.”

Professor Rajani Naidoo, Vice President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (People and Culture), said that CoARA’s commitments not only champion responsible research assessment, but also support many of the priorities of the University’s Wellbeing, Inclusion and Culture Committee.

She said: “CoARA’s commitments align with our ‘People’ priorities of Strategy 2030, aiming to support all colleagues to thrive, be fulfilled and reach their potential. The development of our CoARA action plan will enable us to further embed the role of peer assessment, to complement and build on existing work and commitments in related areas, while continuing to strengthen our links between research and wellbeing, inclusion and culture.”

The Chapter offers a practical space for both signatories and non-signatories to reflect, share and shape reform that works for their specific contexts.

For more details, please visit the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment.