Survey Results on Research Assessment Criteria Published
The purpose of the survey was twofold: first, to understand which criteria researchers perceive as currently shaping performance evaluations and career decisions; and second, to identify which criteria they believe should be considered in the future.
In support of research assessment reforms, the Helmholtz Open Science Office and the Working Group Open Science established the cross-cutting Task Group Research Assessment in March 2025. The work of the task group aims to inform researchers and management about national and international developments in the fields of research assessment and evaluation, increase the visibility of ongoing research assessment reform efforts within the Helmholtz Association, and provide a platform for identifying and developing new quality-oriented research assessment systems and tools.
To support these goals with an empirical evidence base, the Task Group conducted a short cross-center survey among Helmholtz researchers and research-related staff. The purpose of the survey was twofold: first, to understand which criteria researchers perceive as currently shaping performance evaluations and career decisions; and second, to identify which criteria they believe should be considered in the future.
The survey reveals a broad consensus on the need to reform towards more value-based evaluation criteria as well as important disciplinary and role-based differences across professional positions. The data provides an empirical basis for developing modular CV formats, revised evaluation guidelines, and center-level implementation strategies.
The data as well as an accompanying data paper have now been published:
Vleugel, M., Ferguson, L. M., Genderjahn, S., & Seretny, A. (2026). Divergence between Perceived and Desired Criteria for Assessing Researchers: Results from a 2025 Cross-Center Survey at the Helmholtz Association. Helmholtz Open Science Office and Helmholtz Task Group Research Assessment. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18944700
In addition, an interview with Mathijs Vleugel, Head of the Helmholtz Open Science Office and Chair of the German CoARA Chapter, provides further insights into the survey and its analysis: https://www.openaire.eu/from-metrics-to-meaning-rethinking-research-assessment-with-dr-mathijs-vleugel