Snapshots of reform: Researcher evaluation within science organizations

This report follows up on a joint publication “The Future of Research Evaluation: A Synthesis of Current Debates and Developments”, produced in 2023 by the Global Young Academy (GYA), the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) and the International Science Council (ISC).

Derived from desk-based research, surveys, and interviews, this report provides insights into the current state of researcher evaluation. The diverse perspectives captured highlight both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach is neither feasible nor desirable.

The report finds that our organizations can play a role in supporting the reform of researcher evaluation through:

1. Championing missing voices
2. Lending the credibility needed to put reform on the agenda
3. Supporting interventions that have reached their ‘tipping point’
4. Protecting researcher mobility within the global system
5. Promoting the exchange of ideas and lessons

Background

The conversation around research evaluation has gained momentum, emphasizing the need to move beyond traditional metrics that prioritize quantity over quality. Initiatives like the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) have been pivotal in driving this dialogue. It has become clear that systemic change is necessary to create an environment where all researchers can thrive.