The urgent need for reform in the current scientific evaluation system—largely driven by quantitative metrics—is widely acknowledged. This is particularly evident given the extensive and impressive membership of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA). Yet, how do we go about it? What progress has been made in turning these ambitions into reality thus far? How are the established goals being realized, and what challenges still lie ahead? 

→ Watch the video of the discussion on YouTube

We aimed to explore these questions and more in an interactive format featuring a panel of representatives from various stakeholders in the evaluation process. 
 

Inputs were provided by: 

• Elizabeth Gadd, Vice-Chair Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA), UK
• Joachim Spranger, Dean, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany 

The subsequent discussion included: 

• Stephan Gauch, Senior Researcher, Robert K. Merton Center for Science Studies, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
• Tamarinde Haven, Assistant Professor, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg University, Netherlands
• Elisabeth Herrmann, Professor of German Studies, University of Warwick & Chair Tenure Track Board Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
• Julian Polte, Professor & Chair Machine Tools and Technologies for additive Manufacturing of Precise Metallic Components, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany; Head of the Production Systems Division at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology, Berlin

The discussion was hosted by Jess Rohmann, Research Fellow, Institute of Public Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and BIH QUEST Center for Responsible Research at Charité, Berlin, Germany. 

Participating organizations

This event was made possible by the partnership of the Einstein Foundation Award for Promoting Quality in Research, the BIH QUEST Center for Responsible Research and the Berlin University Alliance. Together, we strive to foster a transparent and responsible research assessment system, prioritizing quality over quantity.

The discussion was part of the internationally renowned Berlin Science Week, an annual festival that brings together thousands of people from science, business, politics, art, and society.

The event took place at the Berlin Science Week Campus, located at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, with a livestream available for remote participants.