Bibliometrics are a way to assess the impact or the reach of your research. These metrics are often based on the number of citations received by a publication. Some established bibliometrics databases, such as Scopus (Elsevier) and Scielo (Web of Science - Clarivate), are leaders in providing access to bibliometrics data. However, the data they can provide is restricted to what is indexed in these particular databases. These are often skewed towards STEM disciplines, Global North publications, and publications in the English language.
Newer players in the field, such as Dimensions, aim to have a wider coverage, but again are still limited to what is indexed in their database.
In reaction to the use of potentially skewed data to evaluate research, scholars in San Francisco issued a Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) in 2012. They focused in particular on the problematic Journal Impact Factor. The Journal Impact Factor was a tool created for librarians to support the acquisition process, not a way to evaluate the quality of research. Yet, this was more and more used as a proxy to evaluate research quality and as part of career progression.
The University of Sunderland is a signatory to DORA and, as such, has made a commitment to evaluate research quality not based on the venue of publication, but based on the quality of research.
As an individual, you can also sign up to DORA to show your engagement and support for a research assessment based on the assessment of research for its own merits rather than on the merit of the venue of publication.
The University of Sunderland has adopted a Responsible Use of Metrics Statement to align with its commitments as a signatory of DORA.
The University is committed to the use of peer review and expert judgment as central to the evaluation of research quality and thus supports the implementation of an evaluation of research driven by qualitative assessment. However, quantitative measures can also help to support the
work of assessing research quality. The University is committed to applying five principles when assessing research to mitigate the bias and limits inherent in quantitative indicators.
The University of Sunderland endorsed five principles in research assessment: