Responsible Research Assessment

How can quantitative indicators mislead?

They can be most misleading when used out of context; or just by not recognising that they are, inevitably, summary measures – reflecting a whole range of factors. This is why the responsible metrics movement has gained prominence in recent years.

Using quantitative metrics or indicators which aren’t appropriate, transparent and which don’t consider wider, qualitative factors, can negatively impact upon research in a multitude of ways, from the recruitment and progression of our researchers to distorting the actual research undertaken in the first place.

Responsible research assessment seeks to positively influence research culture, enabling research and researcher diversity to thrive and talented researchers to succeed.

The Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (CoARA)

On 26th November 2025, we signed the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment and were comfirmed as member of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) shortly after.  

Taking this step reflects both our current practice in relation to research assessment, but also our ongoing ambitions towards enabling and ensuring an inclusive and fair research culture and recognising all types of high-quality research. It is, in effect, an extension of our commitments under the DORA declaration, which our Responsible Metrics Champions Group (now Responsible Research Assessment Group) have been promoting since the university signed in 2020.  

CoARA's core commitments are to: 

• Recognise diverse contributions to research
• Base research assessment primarily on qualitative (i.e. peer-judged) evaluations – supported with metric indicators where appropriate
• Abandon inappropriate uses of journal- and metric-based  
• Avoid the use of rankings of research organisations in research assessment

We are already meeting these CoARA commitments, at least in part, and by joining CoARA, we will develop an action plan to focus on where we want to see further improvements. We will also have the opportunity to work with other members across the UK and internationally to exchange knowledge, work together and implement real change relating to the responsible, fair and transparent assessment of research - and researchers. 

Find out more about CoARA 

San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment

The University of Exeter signed this Declaration in June 2020. It aims to improve the ways in which the output of scientific research is evaluated. A number of themes run through these recommendations: 

• the need to eliminate the use of journal-based metrics, such as Journal Impact Factors, in funding, appointment, and promotion considerations;
• the need to assess research on its own merits rather than on the basis of the journal in which the research is published; and
• the need to capitalise on the opportunities provided by online publication (such as relaxing unnecessary limits on the number of words, figures, and references in articles, and exploring new indicators of significance and impact).

Read the DoRA declaration

In addition to wider guidance we have also developed our own guidance to help colleagues ensure they are assessing others research responsibly.

Job and promotion applications: guidance for applicants and reviewers of applications

We have developed guidance to help ensure that those involved in promoting and recruiting are using the most appropriate information on which to base decisions. 

Responsible Research Assessment Applicant Guide - January 2026

Responsible Research Assessment Reviewers Guide - January 2026


Which metric indicators can I use and when?

We have developed some guidance to help you understand which metrics indicators may be appropriate to use, considering whether you are assessing a person, group, publication or journal.‌

Metrics should never be used in isolation, and we encourage a pluralistic approach to generate a well-rounded assessment, which complies with our commitments. We encourage the use of qualitative indicators and peer review alongside quantitative indicators to strengthen and clarify the interpretation of findings. 

View our Indicators Guidance

Why shouldn’t I use the h-index?

The h-index is a ratio measure which looks at the number of citations a researcher has received over time. ​This document tells you why we believe the h-index is not a responsible metric for assessment of individuals or groups.‌ You may also like to watch this animation, which provides further context and explanation. 

Since developing our Responsible Metrics Guiding Principles, DoRA have produced a Guide on the Responsible Use of Quantitative Indicators in Research Assessment and a Practical Guide to Implementing Responsible Research Assessment.

Becoming a signatory to the CoARA Agreement and its associated 10 commitments, provides further steer as to how all colleagues should be aware of how others research should be assessed responsibly.

Explore DoRA’s resources

Explore CoARA’s resources

In addition, the following organisations have also produced resources to help inform and shape practice:

AGORRA Research on Research Institute
UKRI’s Framework for Responsible Research and Innovation
INORMS SCOPE Framework for Research Evaluation
Global Research Council’s Dimensions of Responsible Research Assessment

Online workshops 

We sometimes run workshops for researchers who would like to understand more about responsible research assessment. These may particularly benefit new staff or those who are less familiar with the university of Exeter’s promotion criteria. 

View upcoming training

Self-study module

Learn more about responsible research assessment when suits you with the University of Southampton’s Responsible Research Metrics Self-Study Module self-study module. With thanks to the University of Southampton for making this available to all.