New study assesses progress in reforming research assessment

The European Commission has published an independent expert study that provides an evidence‑informed baseline assessment of progress in reforming research assessment under the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (ARRA). It examines the progress as implemented by the organisations that signed the ARRA, the vast majority of whom are members of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA).

Drawing on qualitative and quantitative evidence, the report examines how ARRA commitments are being interpreted, prioritised and translated into practice across organisational and national contexts. It shows that engagement with CoARA and ARRA is broad and growing, and that many research organisations across Europe are taking concrete steps to change how researchers and research projects are assessed, moving beyond a narrow focus on publications and metrics to better recognise a wider range of contributions, skills and career paths.

Progress remains uneven across countries and institutions, reflecting different contexts and starting points. Overall, the findings indicate that research assessment reform is moving from commitment to action, with continued coordination and support needed to achieve lasting change across the research system.

The study does not aim to assess success or failure. Rather, it captures a moment of transition in the reform process: from early commitment and agenda‑setting towards sustained implementation at scale. The findings therefore provide a foundation for policy learning, adjustment and coordination as reform efforts mature.

Nice to know: The Netherlands is recognised as one of Europe's leading examples in the reform of research assessment. It is encouraging to see that the collective efforts of Dutch knowledge institutions and research funders are being recognised internationally. At the same time, the study underlines that research assessment reform is an ongoing process that requires continued collaboration to embed these changes sustainably.