Research Metrics

Metrics should be used critically and should not replace the informed judgement of peers. It is important to combine a variety of metrics with qualitative evidence to demonstrate research value and impact. Evidence can take many forms and is highly dependent on discipline and individual research projects.

To learn more about responsible use of metrics, visit the Leiden Manifesto for Research Metrics which outlines ten principles to guide research evaluation. The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment outlines similar issues to keep in mind when using research metrics.

Scival is one of our providers of research metrics. They share ten principles for the responsible use of metrics.

1. Quantitative evaluation should support qualitative, expert assessment.
2. Measure performance against the research missions of the institution, group or researcher.
3. Protect excellence in locally relevant research.
4. Keep data collection and analytical processes open, transparent, and simple.
5. Allow those evaluated to verify data and analysis.
6. Account for variation by field in publication and citation practices.
7. Base assessment of individual researchers on a qualitative judgement of their portfolio.
8. Avoid misplaced concreteness and false precision.
9. Recognise the systematic effects of assessment and indicators.
10. Scrutinise indicators regularly and update them.