Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA)

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.

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.

The Ten Commitments

Recognise the diversity of contributions to and careers in research.
Base research assessment primarily on qualitative evaluation, supported by responsible use of quantitative indicators.
Ensure any use of journal- and publication-based metrics, such as the Journal Impact Factor (JIF) and h-index, in research assessment is responsible and ethical.
Avoid the use of rankings of research organisations in research assessment.
Commit resources to reform research assessment as needed to achieve the organisational changes committed to.
Review and develop research assessment criteria, tools, and processes.
Raise awareness of research assessment reform and provide transparent communication, guidance, and training on assessment criteria and processes and their use.
Exchange practices and experiences to enable mutual learning within and beyond the Coalition.
Communicate progress made on adherence to the principles and implementation of the Commitments.
Evaluate practices, criteria and tools based on solid evidence and state-of-the-art in research on research and make data openly available for evidence gathering and research.

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 CoARA Action Plan

We are committed to taking actions which will actively promote and embed the CoARA commitments within University processes. A cross-institutional working group develops an annual action plan, with progress monitored and reported to Research Committee. The 2026/27 action plan can be downloaded below.

CoARA Action Plan 2026/27

Get Involved

How will CoARA impact my research evaluations?

CoARA promotes a comprehensive approach to research evaluation, recognising traditional and non-traditional research outputs and contributions. This means your work will be assessed more comprehensively, considering a broader range of factors beyond quantitative metrics.

We are revising our policies to ensure they align with CoARA’s principles, focusing on the centrality of qualitative evaluation such as peer review, with the responsible use of quantitative indicators to support peer review.

How can I get involved with CoARA initiatives at Warwick? Where can I find more information about CoARA?