The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment, or DORA, is celebrating its 12th birthday with a bang! The team at DORA has announced the launch of a new and practical guide to responsible research assessment. This guide is set to revolutionize the way research is evaluated and will have a positive impact on the entire scientific community.
For those who are not familiar with DORA, it is an initiative that was launched in 2012 by a group of editors and publishers of scholarly journals, as well as scientific societies and organizations. The aim of DORA is to improve the ways in which the quality of research is evaluated and to promote responsible research practices. Over the years, DORA has gained immense support from the scientific community and has become a leading voice in the movement towards responsible research assessment.
The new practical guide, titled “A Practical Guide to Responsible Research Assessment”, is a comprehensive and user-friendly resource that provides guidance on how to assess research in a responsible and ethical manner. It covers a wide range of topics, including the use of metrics, the evaluation of research impact, and the responsible use of research outputs. The guide also includes case studies and examples to help readers understand the concepts and apply them in their own research assessments.
One of the key features of this guide is its focus on responsible research assessment. In today’s academic world, the pressure to publish in high-impact journals and to produce groundbreaking research is immense. This has led to the use of metrics, such as journal impact factor, as the sole measure of research quality. However, these metrics have been criticized for being flawed and for promoting unhealthy competition among researchers. The practical guide by DORA aims to change this mindset and encourages the use of a more holistic approach to research assessment.
The guide also emphasizes the importance of responsible research practices. This includes the responsible use of research outputs, such as data and publications, and the need for transparency and reproducibility in research. These practices not only ensure the integrity of research but also promote collaboration and open science, which are crucial for the advancement of knowledge.
The launch of this practical guide is a significant milestone for DORA and the scientific community as a whole. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team at DORA, who have been working tirelessly to promote responsible research practices. The guide is also a reflection of the growing awareness and support for responsible research assessment among researchers, publishers, and institutions.
The impact of this guide is expected to be far-reaching. It will not only change the way research is evaluated but also promote a culture of responsible research practices. This will benefit not only researchers but also institutions, funders, and the general public. By promoting responsible research practices, we can ensure that the research we produce is of high quality and has a positive impact on society.
In conclusion, the launch of “A Practical Guide to Responsible Research Assessment” by DORA is a significant step towards promoting responsible research practices. It is a timely and much-needed resource that will guide researchers, publishers, and institutions towards a more responsible and ethical approach to research assessment. Let us all join hands in celebrating this milestone and work towards a more responsible and transparent research culture.
