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OpenAIRE Publishes Action Plan to Drive Research Assessment Reform Supporting the CoARA Commitments
OpenAIRE has recently published its Action Plan in support of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) principles. Part of the overarching OpenAIRE Strategy 2023–2025, this plan underscores OpenAIRE’s commitment to advancing research assessment practices in line with Open Science values. With its network of 52 members across 39 countries, OpenAIRE is uniquely positioned to lead this transformative change.
Let’s explore how OpenAIRE is tackling the Ten CoARA Commitments, shaping the future of research assessment in a way that prioritises diversity, equity and transparency:
Addressing the Ten CoARA Commitments in a Nutshell
1. Recognising the diversity of contributions to, and careers in, research in accordance with the needs and nature of the research
OpenAIRE recognises the diversity of contributions within the research ecosystem, integrating outputs such as datasets, software, and other non-traditional scholarly work into its services to ensure they are visible, valued, and incorporated into institutional evaluation frameworks. Launch the new OpenAIRE Research Profile Service to pilot innovative approaches covering diverse research outputs.
2. Base research assessment primarily on qualitative evaluation for which peer review is central, supported by responsible use of quantitative indicators
It prioritises centering qualitative, narrative-driven peer reviews, supplemented by responsibly designed evidence-based indicators that reflect the complexity of research contributions and outputs.
3. Abandon inappropriate uses in research assessment of journal- and publication based metrics, in particular inappropriate uses of Journal Impact Factor (JIF) and h-index
OpenAIRE services aggregate a wide array of data points, presenting them neutrally and transparently, ensuring institutions and stakeholders can derive insights responsibly without reliance on journal-based proxies
4. Avoid the use of rankings of research organisations in research assessment
Moving away from competitive institutional rankings, OpenAIRE emphasises neutral presentations of outcomes to foster collaboration and societal relevance.
5. Commit resources to reforming research assessment as is needed to achieve the organisational changes committed to
It invests in tools, infrastructure, and capacity-building, as demonstrated by projects like GraspOS Horizon Europe, and co-leadership in the CoARA Towards Open Infrastructures for Responsible Research Assessment (OI4RRA) Working Group.
6. Review and develop research assessment criteria, tools and processes
Through multilingual resources, training, and policy handbooks, OpenAIRE empowers stakeholders to adopt Open Science principles. It nurtures dialogue and collaboration via workshops, consultations, and events like the biennial Open Science FAIR, while maintaining transparency through regular updates and participation in global forums.
7. Raise awareness of research assessment reform and provide transparent communication, guidance, and training on assessment criteria and processes as well as their use
OpenAIRE fosters widespread adoption by raising awareness and providing multilingual resources, training programs, and policy handbooks to help stakeholders integrate Open Science principles into their workflows.
8. Exchange practices and experiences to enable mutual learning within and beyond the Coalition
It facilitates knowledge exchange through workshops, consultations, and the biennial Open Science FAIR, promoting dialogue and collaboration within and beyond the CoARA community.
9. Communicate progress made on adherence to the Principles and implementation of the Commitments
To ensure progress and accountability, OpenAIRE maintains transparency through regular updates, blogs, and active participation in global forums, offering insights into CoARA commitment implementation.
10. Evaluate practices, criteria and tools based on solid evidence and the state-of the-art in research on research, and make data openly available for evidence gathering and research
Grounded in evidence and FAIR-compliant infrastructures, OpenAIRE ensures its practices align with global best practices and leverage the latest advancements in research methodologies.
Through this inclusive approach, OpenAIRE not only upholds the ten CoARA commitments but also furthers its mission as outlined in the OpenAIRE Strategy 2023–2025. This strategy envisions a global research ecosystem that is inclusive, transparent, and driven by Open Science, setting the stage for a more equitable and impactful future in research assessment. Read the CoARA Action Plan and get in touch with us if you have questions!