Background to Research Assessment Challenges in Europe

Traditional research assessment practices in Europe have long relied heavily on quantitative metrics such as journal impact factors and publication counts. These approaches, while convenient, often fail to capture the full spectrum of a researcher's contributions, including teaching, mentoring, open science practices, and societal impact. Over the past decade, concerns have grown among academics, university leaders, and funding bodies that such systems can incentivise quantity over quality and discourage innovative or interdisciplinary work.

The European Research Area (ERA) has identified research assessment reform as a key structural priority to enhance researcher mobility, collaboration, and the overall quality of European science. Institutions across EU member states, from the University of Helsinki to the Max Planck Society in Germany and Sorbonne University in France, have faced similar pressures to modernise evaluation frameworks.

The Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment and CoARA

In 2022, the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (ARRA) was launched as a voluntary commitment by research organisations and funders. It outlines ten core commitments, including recognising a broader range of research outputs and activities, avoiding inappropriate use of metrics, and promoting transparency and integrity in evaluation processes. The vast majority of signatories participate through the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA), which now counts over 800 organisations worldwide, with strong European representation.

CoARA operates as a bottom-up initiative, allowing members to adapt principles to their national and disciplinary contexts while fostering shared learning. The European Commission has actively supported the coalition, providing funding for capacity-building projects and participating as a member.

The June 2026 EC Independent Expert Study

On 25 June 2026, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation released an independent expert study titled 'Implementing research assessment reform'. This evidence-informed baseline assessment examines how ARRA commitments are being interpreted and implemented by signatory organisations, primarily CoARA members. Drawing on qualitative interviews and quantitative data from across Europe, the study captures a transitional moment in the reform process.

Key findings indicate broad and growing engagement with CoARA and ARRA. Many institutions are taking concrete steps to shift away from narrow publication-focused metrics toward recognising diverse contributions such as data sharing, public engagement, and team science. The report positions itself as a foundation for policy learning rather than a verdict on success or failure.

Evidence of Progress Across European Institutions

The study highlights numerous examples of implementation. Universities in the Netherlands and Sweden have revised promotion criteria to value open science and societal impact alongside traditional outputs. In Italy and Spain, funding agencies are piloting assessment panels that incorporate qualitative narratives and responsible metric use. French research organisations have introduced training programmes for evaluators to reduce bias and promote inclusivity.

These changes align with the ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027, which dedicates structural policy actions to research assessment reform. Progress is evident in increased adoption of narrative CV formats and commitments to responsible use of bibliometric indicators, supported by initiatives like DORA (Declaration on Research Assessment).

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Remaining Gaps and Uneven Implementation

Despite positive momentum, the study notes that progress remains uneven across countries and institutions. Differences in starting points, national regulations, and resource availability contribute to varied paces of change. Some smaller institutions and those in Central and Eastern Europe report challenges in building internal capacity for new assessment practices.

Capacity building emerges as a critical need. The report calls for greater investment in training, guidance tools, and peer-learning networks to support sustained implementation at scale. Without targeted support, there is a risk that reforms could stall or remain superficial in certain contexts.

Stakeholder Perspectives from Academia and Funding Bodies

University administrators across Europe welcome the shift toward more holistic evaluation, noting its potential to improve researcher wellbeing and attract diverse talent. Early-career researchers, including PhD candidates and postdocs, particularly value recognition of non-traditional outputs that better reflect collaborative and open research practices.

Funding organisations such as those coordinated through Science Europe emphasise the importance of aligning assessment with open science principles. Researchers highlight that reformed systems can reduce perverse incentives that previously favoured high-impact journal publications over rigorous, reproducible science.

Implications for Higher Education Careers and Mobility

Reformed assessment practices have direct implications for academic careers in Europe. By valuing a wider range of contributions, institutions can create more inclusive pathways for promotion and tenure. This is especially relevant for researchers engaged in teaching-intensive roles, industry collaborations, or public outreach.

Enhanced compatibility of assessment frameworks across ERA countries supports researcher mobility. Academics moving between institutions in Belgium, Poland, or Portugal benefit from clearer, more consistent evaluation criteria. Job seekers on PhD tracks or seeking faculty positions can better align their portfolios with emerging expectations.

Connections to Broader ERA and Horizon Europe Priorities

The study’s timing is significant, arriving midway through the ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027. Its insights will inform the development of the subsequent agenda for 2027-2029 and shape priorities within the next Horizon Europe work programme. Reforming research assessment is seen as essential to completing the ERA by reducing fragmentation in evaluation practices that can hinder cross-border collaboration.

Links to open science, research integrity, and inclusiveness are explicit. The European Commission continues to provide financial support for institutional reforms, reinforcing the policy commitment.

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Future Outlook and Recommended Next Steps

Looking ahead, sustained coordination among CoARA members, national authorities, and the European Commission will be vital. Recommendations from the study include scaling up capacity-building initiatives, developing shared toolkits for implementation, and monitoring progress through regular evidence collection.

European universities and research organisations are encouraged to participate actively in upcoming CoARA events, such as the September 2026 conference in Paris, to share experiences and accelerate learning. Continued emphasis on qualitative assessment supported by responsible metrics promises to strengthen Europe’s research ecosystem for years to come.

Conclusion

The June 2026 European Commission study provides a valuable snapshot of progress in reforming research assessment across Europe. While challenges remain, the evidence of growing engagement and concrete actions offers cautious optimism. By continuing to prioritise capacity, coordination, and context-sensitive implementation, Europe can build a more equitable, impactful, and future-ready research culture that benefits academics, institutions, and society alike.