Cardiff University signs the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA)

By signing the declaration, the University is committing to support and promote the responsible use of metrics and quantitative indicators of research and assess research excellence through a process of qualitative review rather than using proxy measures of quality, such as publication in journals with a high impact factor.

A working group was set up to explore the work required to support signing up to DORA. Chaired by Professor Claire Gorrara, University Dean for Research Environment and Culture, it comprises members from across the University’s academic and professional services staff.  She said: “Over the past year, the group identified what we needed to do to implement the DORA principles. We came up with a detailed action plan to ensure the University’s alignment with DORA. Building on good practice already existing within the University, we changed The Guidance for Academic Promotion for staff, which now focuses on assessing the quality of a variety of research outputs. The University Research Integrity Code of Practice and the Research Integrity online mandatory training now also include information and guidance on the principles of DORA.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to open research, the University has appointed Karen Desborough to the post of Responsible Research Assessment Officer. Karen will support the implementation of the DORA action plan which will include the delivery of training and information sessions around responsible research assessment, and monitoring adherence to DORA principles. The post is funded by Cardiff University’s Wellcome Trust Institutional Strategic Support Fund.

Professor Kim Graham, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Innovation and Enterprise signed the declaration on behalf of the University. She said: “By signing the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), Cardiff University confirms its commitment to ensuring that research outcomes are assessed based on their own merit, avoiding use of research metrics.

It also confirms our commitment to recognising the diverse suite of research outcomes generated by our research community when making funding, recruitment and promotion decisions.  Our commitment to DORA reflects the importance we place on inclusive research and team science, aligned to our wish to support and enhance the career opportunities of all our staff, at all stages in their careers.”