RAR UG - Reform of Researchers’ Assessment at the University of Gdańsk - is a project aimed at improving the system of scientific research and academic staff assessment. As part of the next stage of its implementation, Dr Katarzyna Świerk, Director of the Science Office and Rector's Plenipotentiary for Open Access, paid a working visit to NOVA University Lisbon.

The visit was not only of a monitoring nature, but also advisory and strategic. During the meetings, the assumptions and results of the project to date were discussed, as well as the broader context of European reforms in the field of scientific activity assessment. Dr Katarzyna Świerk, as an HRS4R auditor and European Commission expert, provided substantive support to partners in developing the HR Excellence in Research strategy, sharing the experience of the University of Gdańsk in implementing quality processes in research management.

‘The joint discussion showed that the professionalisation of the research system and the development of sustainable career paths for science managers remain a huge challenge. They are the key link in ensuring the effectiveness, transparency and sustainability of reforms, both at the institutional and European level,’ emphasised Dr Katarzyna Świerk.

The visit to Lisbon also provided an opportunity to discuss the future of European universities and possible forms of cooperation between the SEA-EU and EUTOPIA alliances, including joint development initiatives and synergies in the approach to the evaluation of science and innovation.

The RAR UG project, implemented as part of the CoARA initiative, is one example of the University of Gdańsk's commitment to the transformation of scientific evaluation systems and its active participation in shaping research policy in line with the principles of open science and sustainable development.

We wrote about the CoARA initiative here.