Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center and Pasqual Maragall Foundation endorse DORA and CoARA initiatives of reforming research assessment

When researchers apply for a position or a grant, how does an institution decide who is the better candidate? This process, known as research assessment, aims to evaluate the quality and impact of a scientist’s research. Traditionally, this evaluation has often relied solely on quantitative metrics like their number of publications, citation counts or the journals where these articles were published. However, there is growing consensus that such indicators do not capture the full breadth of valuable contributions. While metrics such as journal impact factors and h-index are useful, over-reliance on metrics alone creates skewed incentives and puts the wrong pressures in the research community. In other words, if we only reward quantity or high-impact journal publications, we risk overlooking meaningful work such as building datasets, developing new methodologies, transferring knowledge to real-world applications, mentoring the new generation of scientists, or engaging with society. 

In recent years, the global scientific community has called for more comprehensive and effective ways to assess research. International initiatives are now advocating for research assessment to become fairer and more inclusive, while also maximizing quality and impact. 

In this context, the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC) and the Pasqual Maragall Foundation are reinforcing their commitment to responsible research assessment. 

BBRC is a research-performing organization focused on preclinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease and the study of cognitive function in aging. The Foundation has a dual role as both a research-performing and a research-funding organization, funding biomedical research as well as conducting social research studies related to Alzheimer’s and caregiving. Together, they are joining the international movement to improve how research is evaluated and recognizing that better assessment practices will benefit both science and society.

“We believe that research assessment must recognize diverse contributions and emphasize qualitative evaluation, as this is essential to fostering a healthy and impactful research culture. Endorsing DORA and CoARA is a natural step that reaffirms our commitment to advancing research assessment reform and aligns seamlessly with the values of both organizations”, said Prof. Arcadi Navarro, Director of the Pasqual Maragall Foundation and the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center. 

In particular, BBRC and the Foundation are now signatories of The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and The Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (ARRA) and have joined the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA). These demonstrate a public commitment to reform how research is measured and rewarded. This commitment is in line with the values of both organizations and with a broader shift in the scientific world towards more responsible metrics and evaluation practices.

A shift towards a fairer and more responsible research evaluation

The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) is a global initiative launched in 2012 to improve how research and researchers are evaluated. It calls on all stakeholders to move beyond journal-based metrics, such as impact factor and, instead, focus on the intrinsic quality and relevance of each research output. DORA promotes fairer, more meaningful evaluation criteria and can be signed by both institutions and individuals. 

If any researcher would like to support this cause personally, please find the link here. 

The Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) is an international network of organizations committed to reforming how research is assessed. It was established to support implementation of the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (ARRA), which institutions must sign to join the coalition. 

The Agreement outlines four core commitments: 

1. Recognize the diversity of contributions,
2. Base research assessment primarily on qualitative evaluation supported by responsible use of quantitative indicators,
3. Abandon inappropriate uses in research assessment of journal- and publication-based metrics,
4. Avoid the use of rankings of research organizations in research assessment

Signatories also agree to progressively implement a set of 6 supporting commitments and to share their experiences through collaboration and mutual learning.

Next steps for BBRC and the Pasqual Maragall Foundation

Signing DORA and joining CoARA marks the beginning of a long-term process. BBRC and the Foundation will develop their respective action plans within one year, setting out clear milestones to guide the implementation of responsible research assessment practices over the next five years. To do this, a dedicated task force will be created, bringing together relevant stakeholders from both institutions to co-design the plans. Many of the key actions such as updating hiring and evaluation practices, revising researcher evaluation criteria, and raising awareness are already underway and reflect the spirit of DORA and CoARA principles even before formal endorsement. Both organizations will engage their communities as this process unfolds, ensuring the plan is informed, inclusive, and impactful. The action plan will be a “living document,” updated as needed and focused on meaningful institutional change. BBRC and the Foundation also plan to participate actively in CoARA’s Spanish National Chapter and relevant thematic working groups, contributing their experience in biomedical and social research, assessment of funding calls, and research evaluation in mid-sized institutions. In doing so, they aim to help shape practical, inclusive solutions while learning from peer institutions across Europe.

By joining this global movement, BBRC and the Foundation stand alongside other leading research performing and research funding organizations in advancing a research culture that values quality, fairness, and diversity. This commitment will ultimately support better science and ensure meaningful contributions are recognized and rewarded.