What is CoARA?

The Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) is a global initiative aimed at transforming research assessment practices.

It establishes a common direction for research assessment reform while respecting organisations’ autonomy. It sets a shared direction for changes in assessment practices for research, researchers and research-performing organisations, with the overarching goal of maximising the quality and impact of research.

CoARA will create a more inclusive, transparent and responsible research evaluation system. By promoting diverse research outputs and ensuring fair assessment processes, CoARA supports the broader academic community in achieving higher standards of research culture and quality.

 31 July 2024 - University of Warwick CoARA Action Plan published in Zenodo

Why is it necessary?

• There is broad agreement from the research community on the urgent need to reform existing ways of assessing research.
• Assessment processes relying solely on journal and publication-based metrics can mean that other outputs are not recognised in the same way. These other outputs can include knowledge transfer activities, training and mentoring of researchers, public engagement actions, actions that contribute to a positive research culture, and engagement with key stakeholders e.g. patients, professionals and political decision-makers.
• Failing to give these outputs the same importance can create an unhealthy research culture and an unaffordable publication system.
• CoARA seeks to create a more inclusive, transparent, and responsible research evaluation system. By promoting diverse research outputs and ensuring fair assessment processes, CoARA supports the broader academic community in achieving higher standards of research culture and quality.
• At the heart of CoARA is the principle to base research assessment primarily on qualitative judgement, for which peer review is central, supported by responsible use of quantitative indicators.

What is the CoARA Agreement?

The Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment sets a shared direction for changes in assessment practices for research, researchers, and research-performing organisations, with the overarching goal to maximise the quality and impact of research. It is based on:

• 10 overarching principles,
• 10 commitments: 4 core and 6 supporting, and
• a timeframe to implement reforms.

How is Warwick participating in CoARA?

Warwick joined CoARA to help develop fairer and more inclusive research assessment practices. This aligns with our commitment to research excellence, advancing research culture and integrity.

We are proud to be a member of CoARA, reflecting our dedication to advancing research assessment practices. We are actively participating in CoARA’s initiatives and contributing to the development of a fairer and more comprehensive research assessment system in the university.

Our Initiatives

1. We have developed an action plan to actively promote and embed the CoARA commitments within the university processes. You can find the action plan here.
2. In line with the action plan, we are reviewing our research assessment policies to align with the CoARA’s principles, ensuring fair and transparent evaluation processes.
3. We offer training sessions and workshops for faculty and researchers to familiarize them with CoARA’s objectives and best practices in research assessment.
4. Our university is involved in the UK National Chapter and other CoARA members, focusing on enhancing research quality and integrity.
5. We engage with stakeholders such as academics and researchers, including funding bodies, publishers, and academic institutions, to promote CoARA’s principles and practices.

Get Involved