New University policy defines common principles for high-quality, transparent and equitable research and researcher assessment.
The rector of the University of Helsinki has decided on . The aim of the policy is to ensure that all research and researcher assessments carried out at the University of Helsinki are consistently responsible and fair. Another goal is to close the gap between the principles of responsible assessment and the reality of practical assessment.
The University's commitment to responsible assessment is based on international and national principles, including the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment of the (CoARA) and the (DORA), which emphasise qualitative assessment and the recognition of researchers' varied work.
The new policy determines what responsible research and researcher assessment means at the University of Helsinki, and the relevant principles for assessment in different circumstances.
"The policy guides assessment throughout the University and in various assessment situations, including recruitment, career progress assessments and the overall assessment of research at the University of Helsinki, and provides common principles for developing assessment practices. The framework of overall research assessment (link) as well as the practices and processes of researcher assessment supplement the practical implementation of the policy," says Head of Development Aura Kivilaakso from Research Services.
Assessment based on balance, openness and predictability
Key principles in the policy include a balance between qualitative and quantitative assessment, the openness of assessment and the predictability of assessment criteria. According to the policy, data on publication volumes or research funding and other quantitative indicators can only be used to support qualitative assessment by experts. This ensures that assessment is based on the content and relevance of the work as well as expert assessment, not on individual indicators.
Furthermore, the policy emphasises the consideration of research careers and outputs, as well as the ethics, fairness and equity of assessment. Ethics denotes assessment carried out with integrity, precision and care, avoiding conflicts of interest, presenting assessment criteria transparently and treating individuals subject to assessment respectfully.
Guidelines for practical researcher assessment coming soon
The goal is to continue to support assessment through processes, procedures and guidelines to integrate the principles of responsible researcher assessment into practices.
"We want to make the principles of responsible assessment a natural part of all researcher assessment and our operating culture, while ensuring that they will be realised as assessment that appears consistent, transparent and fair to its subjects. To this end, those involved in assessment will be provided with instructions and support. The principles will also be considered in the orientation of appointment committees in recruitment," says Head of Development Jaana Nylund from HR Services.
