Europe's higher education sector is undergoing a significant transformation in how research and researchers are evaluated. Traditional metrics such as journal impact factors and citation counts have long dominated assessments, often prioritising quantity over quality and overlooking diverse contributions to science and society.

The push for reform gained momentum with the 2022 Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment, which laid the foundation for a more balanced approach. This initiative emphasises qualitative judgment through peer review, responsible use of quantitative indicators, and recognition of a broader range of research outputs, including open science practices, societal impact, and interdisciplinary work.

From Agreement to Coalition: Building Momentum for Change

The Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment, published in July 2022, outlined ten core commitments and a five-year action plan. It quickly led to the establishment of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA), a global network now comprising over 800 signatories including universities, research funders, and professional societies.

CoARA provides a collaborative platform for organisations to pilot new assessment methods, share best practices, and drive systemic change. The European University Association (EUA) has played a leading role, developing its own CoARA action plan for 2023-2027 to support member institutions in implementing reforms.

Recent conferences, such as the 2025 CeRRA event in Copenhagen under the Danish EU Presidency, have reinforced commitment to these goals, highlighting the need for assessments that reward quality, openness, and real-world impact.

Current Uptake Across European Institutions

Progress is evident in participation rates. As of mid-2025, approximately 450 European higher education institutions — representing 13% of those tracked — have signed up to CoARA. Uptake is particularly strong among research-intensive universities, with over half of those featured in the Leiden Ranking participating.

Geographic patterns show higher engagement in Western and Northern Europe, while several Eastern European and widening countries lag behind. Teaching-focused institutions also show lower signatory rates, indicating that reform efforts remain more concentrated in environments where research assessment pressures are most acute.

Many signatories are also involved in complementary initiatives such as the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and the HR Excellence in Research award, suggesting a broader ecosystem of reform.

Key Principles Guiding the Reform

Central to the reform are commitments to base assessments primarily on qualitative peer review, supported by responsible quantitative metrics. Organisations are encouraged to recognise diverse contributions, including open access publications, data sharing, mentoring, and engagement with industry or the public.

The European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda 2025-2027 dedicates structural policy actions to raising awareness, supporting CoARA, and tracking progress across member states. This aligns with broader EU goals of fostering a more inclusive, effective, and future-ready research system.

Photo by Carl Gruner on Unsplash

Practical Implementation and Pilot Projects

CoARA working groups and national chapters are driving experimentation. The CoARA Boost project, funded under Horizon Europe through 2026, enhances capacity building, funds innovative approaches, and helps attract new members.

Institutions are developing new frameworks that value a wider range of outputs. For example, some universities are revising promotion criteria to include contributions to open science and societal engagement alongside traditional publications.

These pilots aim to reduce perverse incentives that previously favoured high-impact journal publications over other valuable activities.

Challenges and Remaining Gaps

Despite progress, significant challenges persist. A 2026 expert study commissioned by the European Commission highlights uneven implementation and identifies gaps in translating commitments into everyday practice. Open science integration, while discussed extensively, remains at an early stage in many action plans.

Resource constraints, cultural resistance, and the need for robust training in new assessment methods are common hurdles. Geographic disparities also raise concerns about equity across the European Research Area.

Ensuring that reforms do not inadvertently disadvantage early-career researchers or institutions in less-resourced regions remains a priority.

Implications for Academics and Career Pathways

For researchers, the shift promises fairer evaluation that better reflects the full spectrum of their work. Career progression may increasingly reward collaboration, knowledge transfer, and public engagement rather than solely publication counts.

Universities and colleges are adapting recruitment and promotion processes accordingly, which could lead to more diverse and resilient academic communities. This aligns with efforts to improve work-life balance and reduce the pressures that have contributed to burnout in the sector.

The Role of European University Alliances and Networks

Meta-organisations such as European University Alliances and national rectors' conferences have shown particularly high participation rates in CoARA. These networks facilitate peer learning and collective action, amplifying the reach of reform efforts.

By pooling resources and expertise, alliances help smaller or less research-intensive institutions engage with the reform agenda, promoting a more level playing field across Europe.

Photo by François Genon on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Next Steps

Looking ahead to 2027 and beyond, sustained political support through the ERA Policy Agenda will be crucial. Continued investment in tools, training, and monitoring frameworks will help track whether reforms deliver on their promise of higher-quality, more impactful research.

Stakeholders emphasise that this is a long-term endeavour. Regular evaluation, including updates to the 2026 progress study, will guide adjustments and maintain momentum.

Ultimately, successful reform could position Europe as a global leader in responsible research assessment, attracting talent and fostering innovation that addresses societal challenges.

Actionable Insights for Institutions and Individuals

Universities and colleges can begin by auditing current assessment practices against CoARA principles and joining relevant working groups. Sharing case studies through national chapters accelerates collective learning.

Individual researchers are encouraged to document diverse contributions in their portfolios and advocate for recognition of open science and societal impact in evaluation criteria.

Resources such as the CoARA website provide templates, guidelines, and opportunities for engagement that can support these transitions.