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About

What is CoARA?

The Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) is a collective of organisations committed to reforming the methods and processes by which research, researchers, and research organisations are evaluated. Current research assessment methods rely heavily on publication-based metrics such as citation counts, and often fail to recognise the wide array of contributions made by researchers.
Over 700 research organisations, funders, assessment authorities, professional societies, and their associations have agreed on a common direction and guiding principles to implement reform in the assessment of research, researchers, and research organisations, outlined in the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment published in July 2022 which provides an outline for reform and implementation.
Two scientists conducting plant research lab

Our Vision

The vision of CoARA is to recognise the diverse outputs, practices, and activities that maximise the quality and impact of research through an emphasis on qualitative judgement in assessment, for which peer review is essential, supported by the responsible use of quantitative indicators.

Our Mission

CoARA’s mission is to enable a systemic reform of research assessment within a set timeframe, based on a common set of principles and commitments. Through collaborative action, exchange of knowledge, and mutual learning, CoARA aims to support all members in adopting and refining more inclusive and effective assessment practices.

Membership benefits

Signature of the Agreement is open to all organisations involved in research assessment. Signatory organisations can then apply to become members of the Coalition and join a community to facilitate the implementation of their own reform and enable systemic change.
By participating in Working Groups and communities of practice, members can pilot new approaches to research assessment and contribute to collective progress.
Member organisations benefit from:
  • Knowledge exchange: Sharing best practices and lessons learned with peers.
  • Support for early reformers: Organisations just beginning their reform journey can learn from those further along in the process.
  • Innovative solutions: CoARA fosters an environment where new ideas for assessment can be developed and tested.

CoARA's governance

CoARA is governed by a General Assembly and a Steering Board, with administrative support from the CoARA Secretariat hosted by the European Science Foundation (ESF) to manage the Coalition’s daily operations. Additionally, the ESF also coordinates the CoARA Boost Horizon Europe project which supports capacity-building for CoARA members. Members are actively involved in shaping the Coalition’s direction and advancing reform efforts.

Join the movement!

Organisations involved in research assessment can join CoARA by signing the Agreement and committing to reform. By becoming a member, your organisation will contribute to creating a more inclusive, impactful, and sustainable research ecosystem.
Together, CoARA members are working to transform research assessment and create a healthier future for the global research community.

Signatories

Signature of the Agreement is open to all organisations involved in research assessment. Signatory organisations can then apply to become members of the Coalition and join a community to facilitate the implementation of their own reform and enable systemic change.

Signatories

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.

Download the full agreement (PDF)
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