Comment: Bibliometrics in the Context of the UK Research Assessment Exercise

TL;DR

This paper discusses the shift in UK research assessment from peer review to bibliometrics, highlighting its potential impacts on research behavior and institutional strategies.

Contribution

It provides a critical commentary on the implications of adopting bibliometric measures in UK research evaluation processes.

Findings

Bibliometric-based assessments influence research behavior.

Shift from peer review to metrics affects institutional strategies.

Potential for unintended consequences in research evaluation.

Abstract

Research funding and reputation in the UK have, for over two decades, been increasingly dependent on a regular peer-review of all UK departments. This is to move to a system more based on bibliometrics. Assessment exercises of this kind influence the behavior of institutions, departments and individuals, and therefore bibliometrics will have effects beyond simple measurement. [arXiv:0910.3529]