Research is about more than just the number of publications. In 2022, the University of Graz became the first university in Austria to join the European CoARA network – short for Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment – with the aim of assessing researchers’ achievements in a more holistic and transparent manner. The University of Graz has maintained its pioneering role and joined forces with 15 other institutions to form a National CoARA Chapter.
The network of currently 16 institutions spans six sectors: public universities, private universities, non-university research, higher education institutions and NGOs. They are all working together to promote a broad view of research performance. This encompasses more than just publications. Career paths, social engagement and student supervision are also to be taken into account. At the University of Graz, the European objective is reflected in the Activity Framework, which is currently being rolled out.
Learn from one another
The previous exchange of experiences regarding CoARA, which was limited to individual working groups, has recently been revitalised with the establishment of the 20th National CoARA Chapter. In mid-May, the association was launched at the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna in the presence of Joachim Reidl, Vice-Rector for Research, and Elmar Pichl, Head of Section at the Ministry of Science.
Katrin Brugger from the University of Graz has taken over as head of the “Public Universities” section. She explains: “We often face similar challenges. Regular exchange and a work plan with key priorities help us to learn from one another.” Furthermore, she says, the University of Graz can play a greater role in shaping the framework conditions within the chapter and implement general standards in a more specific manner. “International visibility will also be enhanced,” Brugger is convinced.
⇒ Learn more about CoARA
⇒ Learn more about the Activity Framework in the context of CoARA
Photo: Uni Graz/Brugger