RDA Value for the Evaluation of Research

The evaluation of research is evolving from being mostly bibliographic index-based to a broader context, which is now recognised as indispensable for enabling Open Research. In the same way that Open Research promotes the open sharing of FAIR data and other research outputs, evaluators must also value and consider these outputs as part of the wider research evaluation framework. The RDA is an appropriate forum for addressing the evolving requirements of research evaluation as they relate to Open Research practices. The RDA Interest Group “Evaluation of Research” organises the discussion on the subject in RDA, particularly as it relates to data and RDA activities on research software.

The document describes the RDA value for the evaluation of research. The topic is perfectly aligned with its mission. RDA’s reach across the international community, including research organisations and funders, and the diverse profiles of its individual members, can help to facilitate and align a global discussion of research evaluation, drawing on data experts from a range of domains. Liaison are built with international initiatives tackling the topic, in particular the Coalition for Advancement of Research Assessment. A number of RDA Groups have activities relevant to the many changes surrounding the evaluation of research. Building on the diversity of the RDA
community and activities, possible RDA contributions to the debate fall in several categories: possible metrics and criteria, stakeholder representation, research outputs and their relevant properties, disciplinary aspects. The groups dealing with support activities contribute to the ecosystem’s progression by providing discussions and outputs that help researchers to engage in and with the transforming context.