Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA)

Prevailing research assessment systems have relied excessively on quantitative metrics linked to publication venues, such as the journal impact factor or citation counts, to evaluate the quality of scientific work and researchers’ career trajectories. This approach has generated misaligned incentives, reduced the diversity of recognized activities, and hindered the assessment of the real impact of research beyond bibliometric output (CoARA, 2022).

CoARA seeks to promote a systemic reform of research assessment through the adoption of qualitative approaches supported by peer review, the responsible use of quantitative indicators, and the recognition of the diversity of research contributions, practices, and career paths (CoARA, n.d.-a). Among its core objectives are reducing the inappropriate use of journal-based metrics, integrating open science practices as valued elements in assessment, and incorporating collaboration, academic leadership, and knowledge transfer as relevant dimensions of research careers.

The coalition’s main instrument is the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment, published in July 2022, which establishes ten common commitments and a five-year implementation timeline (CoARA, 2022). Each signatory organization commits to developing an institutional action plan within one year of signing the agreement. Implementation is organized through thematic working groups and national chapters, which function as communities of practice for knowledge exchange and the development of shared resources and recommendations (CoARA, n.d.-c). The coalition is governed by a General Assembly and a Steering Board, with operational support provided by the secretariat hosted by the European Science Foundation (CoARA, n.d.-b).