H-BRS in favour of research assessment reform

The overarching aim of the agreement is to improve the quality of research. Up to now, the evaluation of research performance has been based on various quantitative indicators, such as the number of publications or third-party funding acquired. This does not take sufficient account of the diversity of research contributions and careers, explains Professor Remi Maier-Rigaud, Vice President Research and Young Academics at H-BRS: "The establishment of new evaluation processes represents an opportunity for universities of applied sciences in particular. For example, our professors are required to have professional experience in practice, which can put them at a disadvantage compared to traditional university careers when assessing their research performance," says Maier-Rigaud. In addition, taking into account the diversity of careers also helps to make the HAW professorship career path more attractive and promising for women, says the Vice President.

As part of CoARA, the signatory institutions will have the opportunity to exchange information on specific reforms, progress and best practices over the coming years. The focus will be on qualitative evaluation, which is why quantitative metrics or indicators will only be used in a supportive capacity. For example, the evaluation of research results will be based primarily on peer reviews by researchers from the same field. In terms of concrete implementation, CoARA members are free to decide how and with which content priorities they shape the voluntary commitments they have made for their organisation by signing the agreement.

A working group under the leadership of Vice President Remi Maier-Rigaud is now to be set up at H-BRS to draw up an action plan for the next steps. By involving various university institutions, such as the Research and Transfer Commission and the Graduate Institute, the aim is to ensure that the perspectives of the various stakeholders in the areas of research and early career researchers are adequately taken into account. The PeP@H-BRS project team will support the implementation of the working group in terms of content and organisation.