The University of Bath aspires to a broad range of high-quality research outputs and impacts. Assessment of research is necessary to understand, manage, incentivise and recognise quality contributions towards this ambition. We undertake research assessment at various levels including: whole university, department/school, research group, individual researchers and individual research outputs. These assessment and management activities require expert judgement and we believe that quantitative indicators can frequently inform but never replace this expert judgement. We also believe the quality of research content is much more important than the quantity, or how or where it is published.
The principles below outline the University of Bath’s approach to research assessment. They draw upon the Leiden Manifesto, Metric Tide report and the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), to which the University is a signatory. Each faculty, department and centre will develop local practices that uphold these principles.
All research assessment and management at the University of Bath is:
Centred on expert judgement
Research assessment at the University of Bath is based on expert judgement for which qualitative evaluation and peer review is central.
Criteria and/or indicators used must be carefully chosen in light of the purpose of the assessment and context. Where meaningful and appropriate, quantitative indicators can be used to support assessment, inform judgements and challenge preconceptions, but not to replace expert judgement.
The content of a research output is much more important than publication metrics or the identity of the journal or outlet in which it was published.
Set in the broader environment
Those undertaking research assessment must be aware of the possible consequences of these activities on behaviour and culture. The potential for assessment indicators to reflect or introduce bias (e.g. bias relating to gender, age, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, academic discipline, language or career stage) must be carefully mitigated and monitored. The University of Bath expects everyone involved in research assessment, whether as assessor or assessed, to behave with integrity, and to conform to the University’s Code of Good Practice in Research Integrity and complete mandatory Research Ethics and Integrity Training. Assessors are also expected to complete Unconscious Bias Training, and Responsible Research Assessment Training (due to become available September 2025).
Supported by reliable data
Where used, quantitative data sources are selected for their reliability (i.e. accuracy, quality, transparency and coverage). Any limitations inherent in data sources must be explicitly acknowledged. The aim is to avoid placing undue significance on quantitative differences out of context. Research quality is multifaceted and cannot be captured by a single indicator used in isolation.
Journal-based metrics, publication venue, format or language are not used as a surrogate measure of the quality or impact of individual research articles, to assess an individual’s contributions, or used inappropriately in funding, appointment, or promotion decisions.
Publication metrics are used appropriately. Inappropriate uses include relying exclusively on author-based metrics (e.g. counting papers, patents, citations, grants, etc.) to assess quality and/or impact.
The rankings of research organisations are not used in research assessment.
Tailored: one size does not fit all
Disciplinary differences in research inputs, processes and outputs have to be taken into account. Any disciplinary biases in indicators used must be explicitly acknowledged and addressed.
Research assessment activities should also be tailored to the scale of the research activity being assessed. Particular caution is needed when interpreting quantitative indicators in small scale assessments such as the assessment of an individual researcher.
Transparent
The assessment criteria used, including in hiring, tenure, and promotion decisions are transparent and available to all. Any quantitative data used must be available to those being assessed. Those conducting assessments must disclose the data sources used and ensure that researchers can review and correct data about their work.
We commit to reviewing our research assessment processes and policies regularly and to taking a consultative approach with our research community.
Inclusive: we value a diversity of research outputs and impact
Our research assessments consider the value and impact of all research outputs (including datasets and software) in addition to publications, irrespective of the language in which they are communicated.
We consider a broad range of impact measures including qualitative indicators of research impact, such as influence on policy and practice.
We recognise the diversity of contributions to, and careers in research. We value practices that contribute to robustness, openness, transparency, and the inclusiveness of research and the research process including: peer review, teamwork and collaboration. We recognise the value of activities such as teaching, leadership, supervision, training and mentoring.
Activities that do not conform to the principles
Individuals who are concerned about any practices at the University of Bath failing to conform to these principles should contact the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise.
Document control
Owner: University Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee
Approval date: June 2025
Approved by: Senate