Commitment to Responsible Research Assessment

As a signatory of the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (CoARA), the University signals internally and externally our willingness to continue to develop approaches for responsible research assessment to support excellent research with impact.

The Agreement’s Principles and associated Commitments reflect our forward-looking approach to research metrics and assessment, aligning with our Innovation and Research Strategy. Our commitment to responsible research assessment is also demonstrated by the University being a signatory of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and More Than Our Rank.

The CoARA Agreement is based on 10 commitments which provide a common direction for research assessment reform. CoARA’s vision is that the assessment of research, researchers and research organisations recognises the diverse outputs, practices and activities that maximise the quality and impact of research. This requires basing assessment primarily on qualitative judgement, for which peer review is central, supported by responsible use of quantitative indicators.

Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) logo

By being among the first UK Universities to sign the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (CoARA), the University of Derby is signalling its ongoing commitment to responsible research assessment to provide a research culture at the University which supports excellent impactful research.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL
Quote from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell and other senior University colleagues signing the CoARA Agreement
Senior University colleagues signing the CoARA Agreement