As Denmark took on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Aalborg University joined hands with the European Commission and other international partners to organize a highly-anticipated event – the EU High-Level Conference on Reforming Research Assessment. This conference, held on September 28 and 29, 2021, brought together experts and stakeholders from across Europe to discuss and strategize ways to reform the current research assessment system.
The need for reforming research assessment has become increasingly urgent in recent years, as the existing system has been criticized for being overly focused on quantitative measures, such as publication metrics, and for neglecting the quality and impact of research. This has led to a number of negative consequences, including the pressure to publish large quantities of research papers, the marginalization of certain disciplines, and the hindrance of interdisciplinary research.
Recognizing these challenges, the EU High-Level Conference on Reforming Research Assessment aimed to generate concrete solutions and proposals for reform. The conference featured a diverse range of stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, funders, and publishers, providing a platform for open and constructive dialogue on this crucial issue.
One of the key highlights of the conference was the launch of the Leiden Manifesto for Research Metrics. This manifesto, developed by a group of leading scholars and published in the prestigious journal Nature, lays out ten principles for the responsible use of metrics in research evaluation. These principles emphasize the importance of considering a variety of qualitative and quantitative indicators, as well as the need for transparency and responsible use of metrics in decision-making processes.
In addition to the Leiden Manifesto, the conference also featured presentations and discussions on various topics related to research assessment, including open science, diversity and inclusivity in academia, and the role of research evaluation in promoting responsible research and innovation. These discussions were enriched by the diverse perspectives and experiences of the participants, highlighting the need for a holistic and inclusive approach to research evaluation.
The conference also provided a platform for the presentation of successful initiatives and best practices in research assessment. This included the example of Aalborg University, which has implemented a new model for research assessment based on a holistic evaluation of research quality and impact. This model has been met with great success, leading to a more productive and supportive research environment that values and rewards excellence in research.
Overall, the EU High-Level Conference on Reforming Research Assessment was a resounding success, generating valuable insights and proposals for the future of research evaluation in Europe and beyond. It was also a testament to the importance of collaboration and dialogue in addressing complex issues such as this.
As the conference came to a close, the organizers and participants expressed their commitment to continuing this important conversation and working towards concrete changes in the research assessment system. The European Commission, in particular, reiterated its support for this cause, recognizing the vital role of research in advancing knowledge and addressing societal challenges.
In conclusion, the EU High-Level Conference on Reforming Research Assessment was a milestone event that has set the stage for positive change in the research evaluation landscape. With its focus on collaboration, inclusivity, and responsible use of metrics, this conference has sent a clear message that the time for reform is now. Let us all continue to work together towards a more robust, fair, and impactful research assessment system that will benefit researchers and society as a whole.
