Science Europe, an association of major European research funding and performing organizations, has officially announced its endorsement of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). The decision was made at the recent Science Europe Governing Board meeting, following extensive discussions and advice from the Science Europe Working Groups on Research Culture and Open Science.
Since its establishment in 2012, the DORA Declaration has played a pivotal role in driving discussions and actions to reform research assessment systems. It advocates for reducing reliance on journal-based metrics and encourages the evaluation of research outputs based on their intrinsic quality rather than the publication venue. Science Europe has been actively engaged with DORA over the past decade, with both organizations collaborating on various initiatives and projects.
The formal signature of the DORA Declaration by Science Europe solidifies this longstanding and fruitful partnership. In 2019, respondents to Science Europe's flagship study on research assessment practices recognized the importance of DORA principles in promoting critical reflections on research assessment policies and practices. Subsequently, Science Europe released its Position and Recommendations on Research Assessment Processes in 2020, providing strategic guidance for research funding and performing organizations.
The collective push for reforming research assessment systems has gained significant momentum, exemplified by the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA). This growing movement owes much to initiatives like DORA, which have paved the way for action over the past decade.
Science Europe urges its members to endorse both DORA and CoARA. As of March 2023, approximately 60% of Science Europe Member Organizations have already signed the DORA Declaration. Many members, along with the association itself, actively participate in DORA-related projects and discussion groups, demonstrating their commitment to advancing research evaluation practices.
By joining forces with DORA, Science Europe reaffirms its dedication to promoting research assessment systems that prioritize the intrinsic value of research outputs and foster a culture of quality, integrity, and innovation. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in shaping a more robust and equitable research landscape across Europe and beyond.
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