Panel discussion: Redefining Research Excellence and its Assessment: CoARA and Beyond
Panel Members: Clara Bruns, Estradivari, Sebastian Ferse & Raimund Bleischwitz
Moderation: Marie Fujitani
As researchers, we are regularly evaluated for accountability and career advancement. Evaluations are based on criteria, which have become a topic of debate in recent years. Does the current focus on the number of peer-reviewed publications and citations lead to a healthy system, excellent science, and research impact? What actually are the benchmarks of “excellent science”? Who is/should be responsible for carrying out the assessment?
There have been calls for reform of the current system, in order to incorporate more diverse outcomes, practices and activities that broadly, responsibly, equitably, and sustainably recognize the contributions of researchers and maximize the quality and impact of basic and applied research. The Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) is a network of organizations aiming to bring about a reform of research assessment practices and methods by which research organizations are evaluated.
This panel discussion session will provide an overview of research evaluation and reform, followed by panel member presentations on their experiences, thoughts on progress and opportunities as well as challenges that this movement entails. A facilitated discussion between the panel members and the audience will help us reflect on what this could mean for the ZMT, and how the ZMT can contribute to shaping the broader scientific landscape.