UKRI signs Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment

Contract signing

International agreement creates common vision aiming to maximise the quality and impact of research.

Common vision

Reward and recognition are central to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) strategy commitment of fostering a world-class research and innovation system and UKRI has already made significant progress in this area.

The Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment represents another step forward, with UKRI committing to a common vision for the assessment of research, researchers and research organisations.

Assessment must recognise the diverse outputs, practices and activities that maximise the quality and impact of research and be based primarily on qualitative judgement.

Peer review is central this, supported by the responsible use of quantitative indicators.

International agreement

In signing this agreement, UKRI joins other international public and private funders including:

  • universities
  • research centres and institutes
  • learned societies
  • professional bodies 

Next steps

UKRI will now decide on the steps and timelines involved in implementing the commitments in the agreement. UKRI will also continue to consider how its activities in the area of reward and recognition contribute to high quality and impactful research.

Professor Melanie Welham, UKRI Executive Champion for People, Culture and Talent said:

I am delighted to see UKRI sign this important commitment. UKRI already works with international partners to develop and evaluate new approaches to reward and recognition.

UKRI welcomes this opportunity to collaborate further, share our experience and learn from others.

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