Rethinking Research Assessment: From principles to practice at the University of Bristol (CoARA Action Plan launch)

How is your research work being assessed? Which criteria, definitions, conditions, cultures, environments, ethics and values shape how we evaluate research quality? And how do assessment systems, in turn, influence our practices and behaviours?

These questions sit at the heart of the Responsible Research Assessment movement, a growing international effort within academia to critically examine and reform how research is assessed. This session marks the launch of the University of Bristol’s CoARA Action Plan (2026–2031), which sets out a phased, evidence-led and participatory programme to enhance research assessment practices across the institution. 

The Action Plan responds to our commitments to the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (CoARA), the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), and the Barcelona Declaration on Open Research Information. Together, these frameworks aim to ensure that research assessment recognises research quality, integrity, and the full range of contributions that enable research, rather than relying on narrow or proxy indicators. 

The session will open with an introduction setting out the institutional context and ambition for this work. This will be followed by an overview of the Action Plan and a chaired panel discussion. 

Whether you are closely involved in research or engaging from a distance, you are warmly invited to attend. 

This session is open to all, with particular relevance for:

• Academic researchers (all career stages)
• Research leaders (School and Faculty leadership, REF leads, etc..)
• Professional services, Technical professionals and research-enabling staff
• PGRs and early career researchers