Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) Action Plan, University of Edinburgh

Abstract

Our first Research Cultures Action Plan was agreed by University Executive in February 2023. This plan sets out our commitment to foster an environment where research, researchers, and those who support them, can thrive. It has five Underpinning Values – Citizenship; Wellbeing; Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI); Ethics and integrity; and Learning, and five Drivers for Change - Career pathways and progression; Targeted support; Responsible research; Communication & engagement; Governance & data. Responsible research assessment and our commitment to CoARA is embedded in our action plan.

We aim to realise a research lifecycle where research culture, research integrity and fair research assessment are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. Taken together, these elements create an environment in which researchers, and those who enable research, thrive and can produce world-leading research and innovation. This plan outlines activity already underway and signals our long-term plans through our holistic approach to delivery across multiple complementary commitments and action plans.

We welcome the opportunity to assess our progress so far having signed the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) in May 2019. Our CoARA commitments provide us with the opportunity to review and recommit to responsible research assessment throughout our research community,