Throwback: What is CoARA and why is it important for me as a postdoc?
We launched our new Lunch Talk Series on Improving Research Culture on October 23rd with an inspiring session about CoARA: Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment. The topic of how researchers are evaluated—whether applying for roles or submitting papers and proposals—is central to shaping an inclusive and successful academic career.
We know, however, that more assessment criteria can also feel daunting. But when we asked our great speaker, Karen Stroobants, if the new criteria would simply add extra burden, her answer was encouraging:
The aim is not to ask researchers to do more, but to better recognise all the different contributions that researchers make already. Ideally, this will result in a more diverse range of research careers, with associated career trajectories. This could include paths that are almost solely focused on research, alongside equally valued paths that include a considerable focus on patient engagement, policy or public engagement, or yet others that provide data stewardship or open science expertise to their team.
Thank you, Karen, for your insights and for sparking such meaningful dialogue on the future of research assessment. For those who couldn't attend, the full talk is available on our YouTube channel. Don’t miss out on the chance to join us for future sessions!
