The leading universities of science and technology united within CESAER have today published a workshop report, ‘Best practices, lessons learned and recommendations for implementing CoARA commitments’, highlighting practices from four Member institutions advancing qualitative, inclusive, and future-oriented evaluation of research.
Despite growing awareness of the need to modernise research assessment, traditional metrics still dominate, limiting recognition of diverse research contributions and career paths.
In response to these challenges, this CESAER report shares lessons from Aalto University, TU Braunschweig, Politecnico di Torino, and the University of Strathclyde, showing that successful reform relies on strong leadership, integration of CoARA principles, inclusive working groups, and pilot-based approaches.
It also highlights the role of EU and national frameworks in supporting universities with aligned funding, interoperable infrastructures, and engagement with the research community.
“Transforming research assessment goes beyond refining metrics—it requires a shift in institutional culture. Strong leadership, shared principles, and inclusive engagement are crucial to creating evaluation practices that truly recognise the diversity of research contributions.”
— Orla Feely, President of CESAER and President of University College Dublin
“Integrating CoARA principles into institutional strategies helps universities redesign assessment processes in ways that genuinely support researchers’ career development. By adopting fair and transparent qualitative approaches, institutions can build assessment systems that are both credible and fit for the future.”
— Tanya Bondarouk, Co-Chair of CESAER Task Force Human Resources, Dean and Professor of Human Resources Management and Technology at the University of Twente
“Responsible research assessment is a continuous process grounded in experimentation, dialogue, and evidence-based practice. With support from coherent national and European frameworks, universities can embed reforms that are inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the full diversity of research contributions.”
— Vincent Klein Ikkink, Advisor for Research at CESAER
For more information, please contact our Information & Communication Officer Julian Kasapov.
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