The United Kingdom has taken a significant step forward in advancing responsible research assessment with the establishment of a National Chapter of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA), co-led by Swansea University.
The CoARA initiative aims to foster collaboration and drive substantive change in research assessment practices nationwide.
Co-led by the University of Strathclyde, Swansea University and Loughborough University, the UK National Chapter of CoARA comprises a diverse range of organisations committed to promoting systemic reform and reflecting on ambitions for reforming research assessment.
Current membership of the National Chapter also includes CRAC-Vitae, Goldsmiths College, University of London, Health Data Research UK, Jisc, Manchester Metropolitan University, Nottingham Trent University, Research on Research Institute (RoRI), Software Sustainability Institute, Association of Research Managers and Administrators (ARMA) UK, UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN), University of Central Lancashire, University of Derby, University of Edinburgh, University of Reading, and University of Warwick.
Following the establishment of the UK National Chapter in February 2024, the Steering Group met to agree on priorities, exchange practices, and determine the next steps.
Helen Griffiths, CoARA National Chapter lead at Swansea University, said: "The UK National Chapter will serve as a forum for collaboration, sharing best practices, and addressing challenges specific to research assessment in the UK. Through coordinated efforts and engagement with stakeholders, we aim to drive positive change in the research landscape."
Grace Murkett, CoARA National Chapter lead at the University of Strathclyde, said: "The establishment of the UK National Chapter of CoARA marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to drive positive change in research assessment practices. Bringing together expertise from across the UK research landscape, the mission of the UK National Chapter is twofold. Firstly, it aims to facilitate meaningful change by supporting member and signatory organisations in developing and implementing actions to reform research assessment. Secondly, the Chapter seeks to promote systemic reform by engaging with stakeholders outside the Coalition and advocating for the adoption of CoARA principles.”
Dan Parsons, CoARA National Chapter lead at Loughborough University, said: "CoARA offers a robust framework that complements initiatives like the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). It provides a structured approach to driving substantive change in research assessment practices, ensuring that our collective efforts are aligned towards fostering a culture of responsible research evaluation."
Moving forward, the UK National Chapter plans to deliver information sessions for potential CoARA members, organise quarterly members' meetings, coordinate input to CoARA working groups, and engage with other organisations involved in research assessment reform activities.