Aligning values: reimagining research assessment for an open future

This presentation, "Aligning values: reimagining research assessment for an open future", by Dr. Giovanna Lima of DORA (Declaration on Research Assessment), advocates for a fundamental shift in how research is evaluated to foster a better, more open future for scholarly work. The core message is to move beyond a narrow, journal-based metric of quality toward an inclusive view of scientific impact that recognizes and values a broader range of activities and scholarly products. Key themes for reform include: Broadening Impact: Valuing non-traditional contributions such as educational activities, science communication, community engagement, and mentoring alongside citations. Diverse Outputs: Recognizing a wide array of scholarly products, including Registered Reports, Policy Briefs, Method Articles, Software Tools, and Data Notes, not just the traditional research article. DORA's Principles (Since 2012): Explicitly calling to stop using journal-based metrics as a surrogate for quality, consider the value of all research outputs, and be explicit and transparent about criteria for hiring, promotion, and tenure decisions. DORA advances this reform through initiatives such as the Reformscape global database of assessment policies and the publication of A Practical Guide to Implementing Responsible Research Assessment at Research Performing Organizations. Ultimately, the goal is to promote research integrity, reproducibility, and a healthier, more equitable research culture.