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Call For Nominations Of Experts: Strengthening Research Evaluation: A Global Assessment and Dialogue

11 October 2018

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File Annex A Working Group Nomination Form PDF icon IAP Evaluation of Research Proposal

The InterAcademy Partnership intends on undertaking an evidence-based study of current research evaluation practices around the world and across disciplines.

The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) invite panel member (working group member) nominations from academies for the planned IAP study entitled, “Strengthening Research Evaluation: A Global Assessment and Dialogue.”

Project Summary

The planned study will focus on current research evaluation practices around the world and across disciplines, including related practices used in evaluating researchers and research institutions. It will examine the strengths and weaknesses of current practices in advancing the global research enterprise, explore the feasibility and merits of possible alternatives, recommend specific steps and best practices to be adopted by stakeholders, and foster a global dialogue to raise awareness and catalyze change. The study will be led by an expert panel representing a range of countries, disciplines, and stakeholder groups. Study components will include: (1) a series of thematic regional workshops where stakeholders will explore key issues related to the development and use of research evaluation methodologies, (2) a global survey of research enterprise participants to gain insights and perspectives on current research evaluation practices, including trends and impacts, (3) a series of commissioned papers that develop and synthesize knowledge related to research evaluation, and (4) a web-focused effort to stimulate a global dialogue among researchers and research enterprise stakeholders about how evaluation practices can affect the quality of research and the productivity of researchers and research institutions. The final product of the project will be a report that provides recommendations and guidance for research sponsors (including governments), research institutions, scientific societies and other stakeholders. The study will require approximately 24 months to complete, with an aim to begin in early-mid 2019.

Study Panel Composition

The study will be co-chaired by Prof. Thokozani Majozi, NRF/DST Chair of Sustainable Process Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, and Prof. Brian Foster, Donald H. Perkins Professor of Experimental Physics and Professorial Fellow at the University of Oxford. The co-chairs will be supported by a panel of 10-12 experts with diverse disciplinary expertise, whose members represent various regions of the world and national research systems. It is anticipated that the panel will include members with experience in research management, research funding decisions, and scholarly publishing. The panel will also include expertise on bibliometrics and other aspects of research evaluation methodologies. The panel will be assisted by a professional staff, including a study director, study coordinator, and science writer.

Expectations of the Study Panel

Panel members should be willing to guide the project development strategy, assist with project implementation, and support communication and implementation within their region and area of expertise. They are expected to attend international panel meetings and workshops (5-7 total over the two-year project) as well as conference calls and email correspondence as needed. Travel costs, including premium economy flights, lodging, and meals, will be met by the project.

Selection criteria

The committee will be selected and vetted according to IAP Research’s procedures, under which the IAP Research Co-Chairs develop a committee slate and submit it to the IAP Research Board for approval. The process is aimed at achieving a balance of perspectives and expertise, as well as ensuring objectivity. Nominations will be shortlisted according to their experience, geography and institutional affiliation(s), to create a broad mix of experts. The Board will make every effort to ensure that the Committee is representative of gender, age and ethnicity.

If you are interested in this panel please complete the attached Annex A and submit to Craig Skerritt (c.skerritt@ria.ie) by 31 October 2018.

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