The European Chemical Society (EuChemS) has formally joined efforts to improve how research is assessed by endorsing the principles laid out by the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA). In October 2022, EuChemS signed the agreement that defines a shared direction for reforming current evaluation practices in the research landscape.
This commitment reflects EuChemS’s dedication to fostering responsible and inclusive research environments. By aligning with CoARA, EuChemS adds its voice to a broad coalition of over 700 organisations, including research institutions, funders, assessment bodies, and professional societies, who support a shift toward fairer, more nuanced assessment methods.
At the heart of the reform is a desire to move beyond traditional metrics, such as publication counts and citation scores, which often dominate the evaluation of research and researchers. CoARA promotes an approach that balances quantitative indicators with qualitative judgement, such as peer review, and encourages greater transparency and responsibility in how research impact is assessed.
To further advance this initiative, CoARA’s Working Group on Responsible Metrics and Indicators (RMI WG) recently launched a survey to gather insights on current uses of metrics in research evaluation. The responses will help develop a more integrated framework that reflects both quantitative and qualitative dimensions. Institutions and individuals involved in research assessment are invited to share their practices and perspectives.
By taking part in this effort, contributors help shape a more equitable and transparent research assessment system. EuChemS encourages wide participation, underscoring that collective input is vital to achieving meaningful and lasting change in how research is valued.
