EU High-Level Conference on Reforming Research Assessment
The European Union has always been at the forefront of promoting research and innovation, and the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union is no exception. In collaboration with Aalborg University and the European Commission, the EU is organizing a High-Level Conference on Reforming Research Assessment, which will bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from all over the world to discuss the future of research evaluation.
The conference, which will take place on June 10-11, 2021, will focus on the need to reform the current research assessment system in order to better support and promote excellent and impactful research. The current system, which heavily relies on metrics such as journal impact factor and citation counts, has been criticized for its narrow focus and its potential to hinder the progress of science. This conference aims to address these issues and explore alternative and more comprehensive approaches to evaluate research.
One of the main goals of the conference is to promote the use of responsible research evaluation practices. This includes ensuring the responsible use of metrics, taking into account the diversity of research outputs and their impact, and promoting the use of qualitative evaluation methods. By doing so, we can create a fair and inclusive evaluation system that recognizes and rewards a wider range of research outputs, including interdisciplinary and collaborative research.
The conference will also be an opportunity to discuss the impact of research assessment on researchers’ behavior and the research culture as a whole. The current system’s heavy reliance on quantitative metrics has led to a “publish or perish” culture, where researchers are often pressured to focus on publishing in high-impact journals rather than conducting high-quality research that can make a real difference in society. By promoting responsible research evaluation practices, we can create a healthier research ecosystem that values the quality and diversity of research over quantity.
In addition to these discussions, the conference will also showcase best practices and innovative approaches to research assessment. This includes the use of open science principles, the integration of societal impact in research evaluation, and the development of new evaluation tools and indicators. By learning from each other’s experiences and sharing best practices, we can work towards a more effective and responsible research assessment system.
The EU High-Level Conference on Reforming Research Assessment is a timely and much-needed initiative. As the world continues to face complex challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and technological advancements, it is vital to ensure that research evaluation practices support and promote high-quality and impactful research. By bringing together experts and stakeholders from various backgrounds and perspectives, this conference has the potential to spark meaningful discussions and collaborations that can lead to positive changes in the research assessment landscape.
Moreover, this conference is a testament to the EU’s commitment to promoting research and innovation. By organizing such events, the EU is showing its determination to continuously improve and adapt to the changing needs of the research community. This is especially important in today’s fast-paced and constantly evolving world, where research plays a crucial role in shaping our future.
In conclusion, the EU High-Level Conference on Reforming Research Assessment is an exciting and promising event that will bring together a diverse group of individuals to discuss and shape the future of research evaluation. By promoting responsible research evaluation practices and showcasing best practices and innovative approaches, we can create a fairer, more inclusive, and effective research assessment system. Let us come together and join this important conversation to build a better future for research.
