
dr Katarzyna Świerk
The University of Gdańsk joins the European discussion on the future of academia. During the MSCA Presidency Conference 2025 in Lyngby (Denmark), dr Katarzyna Świerk, Director of the Science Office and Head of the RAR UG project, funded under CoARA Boost Funding, participated in discussions and networking devoted to new trends in research evaluation, attracting talent and the role of universities in these activities.
The conference focused on key issues such as the ‘purpose-driven university,’ combining talent, passion, and impact, as well as a responsible approach to research evaluation. These topics are close to the heart of the University of Gdańsk, which is implementing measures to reform science evaluation as part of the RAR UG project.
‘This is not just a change in evaluation tools. It is a profound transformation in the way of thinking - a shift from the logic of “best in the world” to “best for the world”,’ emphasises dr Katarzyna Świerk. ‘It is about recognising diverse talents and creating a culture that combines the aspirations of individuals with the mission of the institution.’
Thanks to her participation in discussions and extensive networking, the UG representative had the opportunity to share her experiences of the results of the project implemented so far and to exchange good practices with researchers and managers from all over Europe.
‘Changing the approach to research evaluation paves the way for more inclusive and sustainable academic career development, attracts talent and recognises achievements that go beyond traditional indicators, such as collaboration, mentoring, openness and social engagement,’ adds the Head of the RAR UG project.
The University of Gdańsk's participation in the MSCA Presidency Conference 2025 confirms that the university is actively contributing to the European transformation in the area of research evaluation and academic career development.
RAR UG - improving the system of scientific activity evaluation

The RAR UG (Reform of Researchers’ Assessment at the University of Gdańsk) project, implemented as part of the CoARA initiative, is one example of the University of Gdańsk's commitment to transforming scientific activity assessment systems and actively participating in shaping research policy in line with the principles of open science and sustainable development.
As part of the first edition of the CoARA Boost Cascade Funding competition, the University of Gdańsk received a grant of EUR 60,000. CoARA - Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment - is an international coalition of over 700 research organisations, funding agencies and evaluation bodies from around the world, committed to reforming the methods and processes of evaluating research, researchers and research institutions.
The University of Gdańsk joined the CoARA coalition in 2023 as the first classical university in Poland. In June 2024, the CoARA Action Plan was adopted - an action plan for 2024-2028 aimed at improving the system of evaluation of scientific research and academic staff. In the planned activities, aimed at developing a comprehensive, reliable, transparent and discipline-specific evaluation system, the expert factor plays a key role, including the appointment of Expert Councils at individual faculties.