Towards Cultural Change: Implementing Responsible Research Assessment at KIT

Since the launch of the San Francisco Declaration DORA, the call for more responsible, qualitative research assessment has gained international momentum. However, the reform process in Germany is still ongoing, and substantial changes in research culture are yet to be achieved.

As a signatory of DORA, KIT is an active supporter of the open science movement and the development of a responsible system of research assessment is seen as a crucial part of establishing an open science culture. Therefore, the nationally funded project “Development of a Reference Model for Reporting in Scientific Institutions Based on DORA” (ERRED) was launched in September 2023, aiming to create an alternative set of indicators.

As an approach, ERRED adapted a maturity model as the basis for the reference model at KIT. The core principle of the maturity-model-based assessment is the evaluation of various dimensions with more differentiated attributes to address multiple aspects of scientific work and to take into account the diverse paths and stages of careers.

In addition to developing new metrics, promoting responsible research assessment and raising awareness remains an ongoing challenge at KIT. ... mehrTherefore, the reference model was developed in a co-creational process with various stakeholders at KIT and builds on stronger networking within the institution, aiming to support a broader cultural change. As a result, the reference model was expanded to include framework conditions that should be met.

This poster summarizes key insights gained during the project and outlines a pilot concept for institutionalizing responsible research assessment at KIT.