CoARA - a more sustainable and fair research environment
CoARA and Linköping University
Research assessment today relies heavily on publication-based measures such as the impact factor of journals and the number of citations. CoARA complements this approach by recognising a broader set of contributions made by researchers.
The Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) is an international initiative aimed at improving and reforming research assessment systems. CoARA works to create fairer, more transparent and more inclusive methods for the evaluation of research, researchers and research organisations.
CoARA and LiU
Linköping University (LiU) has been actively involved in CoARA since October 2022, when Vice-Chancellor Jan-Ingvar Jönsson signed the agreement to develop and implement improved methods for merit assessment in research. LiU’s goal is to ensure that the assessment of research performance is carried out in a way that promotes quality and better suits all lines of research.
During 2025–2026, LiU will work to adapt internal processes and guidelines in accordance with CoARA’s principles and recommendations. The plans for this work are to be documented in an activity plan. For the implementation of CoARA, all employees, and especially researchers, are invited to participate in discussions and workshops.
CoARA in Sweden
At the national level, LiU is active in the Swedish National Chapter of CoARA. Vice-Chancellor Jan-Ingvar Jönsson is chair and has two vice-chairs: Alison Gerber, from the Young Academy of Sweden and Maria Thuveson, from the Swedish Research Council. The purpose of the National Chapter is to promote the exchange of experience and the implementation of standards to assess research performance between universities and research funders in Sweden.
CoARA in Europe
Internationally, LiU has chosen to collaborate with higher education institutions within the framework of ECIU. LiU will host this collaboration.
“Through involvement in CoARA, we strive to contribute to positive change in the research world, both nationally and internationally. We look forward to working with other universities and research institutions to create a more sustainable and fair research environment.”
Jan-Ingvar Jönsson, vice-chancellor of Linköping University
