News item
Working with Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment
Independent Research Fund Denmark has published an updated CoARA action plan, reflecting progress and insights gained in its work with the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (ARRA). Alongside the updated plan, the fund has launched a dedicated FAQ page about its work with ARRA and published a new policy on transparency.
Since signing the ARRA agreement in 2022, the fund has been actively engaged with its 10 core commitments. In 2024, the fund released its first CoARA action plan, with most initiatives now well underway. Notably, the fund has co-initiated a Danish network on research assessment, approved a training format on bias awareness for its members, and is currently preparing a new format for applicants’ CVs and publication lists, as well as revised assessment criteria to be introduced from 2026.
Find the updated action plan which outlines the current status of each initiative here
To further enhance understanding of its work with ARRA, the fund has launched a comprehensive FAQ page. The page aims to support researchers and other stakeholders in understanding the project, the fund’s reasons for joining ARRA, and how upcoming changes may affect the application process. Among other things, the FAQ addresses why the fund is working towards a broader recognition of merit and outlines specific initiatives being implemented.
As part of its ARRA efforts, the fund has also published its new policy on openness. The policy is designed to promote greater openness in the fund’s assessment processes and practices.
Find the fund’s policy on openness here
Independent Research Fund Denmark remains committed to fostering a diverse research culture and to supporting researchers at all career stages across Denmark.
'Engagement with ARRA and CoARA is a key driver for advancing broader research assessment and supporting an open, inclusive research culture. The next step will be to further develop the formats for CVs and publication lists to better support a diverse recognition of merit,' says Søren Serritzlew, Chair of the Board at the Independent Research Fund Denmark.
For questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at arra@ufm.dk.
CoARA Commitments
Core Commitment 1
Recognise the diversity of contributions to, and careers in, research
in accordance with the needs and nature of the research.
Core Commitment 2
Base research assessment primarily on qualitative evaluation for which
peer review is central, supported by responsible use of quantitative indicators.
Core Commitment 3
Abandon inappropriate uses in research assessment of journal- and
publication based metrics, in particular inappropriate uses of Journal
Impact Factor (JIF) and h-index.
Core Commitment 4
Avoid the use of rankings of research organisations in research assessment
.
Supporting Commitment 5
Commit resources to reforming research assessment as is needed to
achieve the organisational changes committed to.
Supporting Commitment 6
Review and develop research assessment criteria, tools and processes.
Supporting Commitment 7
Raise awareness of research assessment reform and provide transparent communication, guidance, and training on assessment criteria and
processes as well as their use.
Supporting Commitment 8
Exchange practices and experiences to enable mutual learning within and beyond the Coalition.
Supporting Commitment 9
Communicate progress made on adherence to the Principles and implementation of the Commitments.
Supporting commitment 10
Evaluate practices, criteria and tools based on solid evidence and the
state-of-the-art in research on research, and make data openly available
for evidence gathering and research.