Reframing Research Assessment: Towards a Comprehensive Framework for Researcher Profiles

Abstract

The reform of research assessment is a top priority in the European Research Area. Recognising its crucial role in a strong Research and Innovation system, recent policies call for new approaches. Traditional methods rely heavily on publication metrics, failing to reflect the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of modern research. The CoARA Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment, which was officially opened for signature on 28 September 2022 and counted 832 signatories as of 14th, March 2025, calls for better recognition of the diversity of research contributions, outputs, and career paths, and to base research assessment primarily on qualitative evaluation supported by a responsible use of quantitative indicators. The movement for reform also calls for better acknowledgement of contributions to Open Science. This contribution presents a framework for “Researcher Profiles” under development within the Horizon Europe project GraspOS (Grant Agreement n.101095129). This service aims at supporting organisations in implementing the CoARA commitments and to offer a flexible framework for assessing researchers which values diverse practices, and prioritises comprehensive quality and societal impact of research.