On 19th September 2024, the fourth in-person meeting of the CoARA Working Group on "Improving Practices in the Assessment of Research Proposals" took place in Brussels, bringing together various organizations, including several universities. Among these was Lusófona University, represented by Professors Svitlana Lyubchyk (Lisbon University Center) and Maria José Brites (Porto University Center). The meeting also featured participation from representatives of the European Commission, who co-chair the group.
Discussions centered on enhancing the criteria for evaluating research proposals, refining reviewer guidelines, and streamlining the information required from applicants. Participants also reviewed ongoing projects and future initiatives aligned with the working group's three core work packages. This collaborative approach fostered a more integrated perspective on the group's progress.
The CoARA (Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment) is anchored in the “Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment”, which aims to revolutionize how research, researchers, and institutions are evaluated. Signatories of the Agreement commit to recognizing the diverse contributions in research, moving beyond traditional metrics like publication counts and instead focusing on qualitative assessment, particularly peer review. The ultimate goal is to maximize research quality and impact by building a more inclusive, efficient, and collaborative research system.
The Coalition provides a platform for piloting new assessment methods, sharing best practices, and engaging in critical reflection. Organizations worldwide are encouraged to tailor their reform efforts based on their specific contexts, whether national, disciplinary, or institutional. The increasing number of signatories underscores the global commitment to transforming research assessment practices.
