The Knowledge Foundation applies a broadened review of merits and advanced assessment of research and researchers in our processes. Through national and international collaboration, we also contribute to developing new methods for research assessment and the review of academic merits.
Broadened review of academic merits and advanced assessment
Collaboration for advanced assessment of research
The Knowledge Foundation aims to contribute to advanced assessment of research and researchers. Therefore, we have signed the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA).
A primary goal for CoARA is to improve the quality, efficiency, and impact of research through collaboration and knowledge exchange. Through the CoARA agreement, the Knowledge Foundation has amongst other things undertaken to contribute to broadened review of academic merits.
A large number of organizations from around the world are currently affiliated with CoARA. The work is carried out in thematic working groups initiated by the members.
- DORA and the new Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment
- COARA – Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment
Broadened review of academic merits in our processes
The Knowledge Foundation applies broadened review of merits in our assessment processes. This enables a more equitable assessment of different research subjects and researchers. In the application, project participants should therefore select the merits and experiences that are most relevant to the project and the programme format. For example, consider the following categories:
- Degrees
- Positions
- Research output: select at most ten (10) research results/outputs. In addition to scientific publications, this could be for example: documented artistic merits, instrumental- or product development, data set, software, patent, process- or policy development, as well as implementation of research results.
- Educational activities: pedagogical qualification including, for example, teaching, training and supervision, education development including development of open teaching resources and learning objects (learning and teaching materials).
- Cooperation: with academia, the business sector, or other societal actors, as well as communication efforts.
- Academic leadership: project management, activity development, assessment assignments, centre management, department assignments, granted funding.
The Knowledge Foundation’s efforts within CoARA
The Knowledge Foundation is an active participant of the CoARA coalition. The efforts towards a more inclusive assessment of research and researchers are a progressive development process that are carried out in dialogue with relevant stakeholders within the coalition.
We participate in the working group for improving practices in the assessment of research proposals. Within the group, we serve as co-chair for the work package related to selection of and guidance to reviewers on responsible research assessment practices. The aim is for the work within the group to lead to new guidelines and practical tools for a more inclusive and relevant assessment of research.
Emphasize Collaboration in Research Assessment
An important principle within CoARA is to find a balance between a qualitative assessment conducted by experts (peer review) and a responsible use of quantitative indicators to support that assessment. The Knowledge Foundation sees opportunities to particularly contribute to making collaboration a clear and recognized merit in the evaluation of research quality.