Improving Practices in the Assessment of Research Proposals: endorsed output provides funders with framework and strategic guidance
The CoARA Working Group Improving Practices in the Assessment of Research Proposals (WG IPARP) has recently published a new resource that aims to support research funding organisations (RFOs) in aligning assessment practices with the CoARA Commitments. Drawing on the experiences of a diverse group of funders, a series of core concepts emerged that serve as a general framework to support funders in navigating the reform process to foster the diversity of research contributions, activities, and careers, and to optimise qualitative review.
The framework for “Improving Practices in the Assessment of Research Proposals” has been endorsed by the CoARA Steering Board and is currently hosted in the CoARA Collection.
Upcoming launch webinar on 24 June 2026:
On 24 June 2026 at 15h-16h CEST, the WG IPARP will host a launch webinar to present the report’s key findings and explore the core ideas that emerged as a framework for navigating reform processes in research proposal assessment.
- Join the webinar via WebEx:
- Webinar number (access code): 2795 626 7174
- Webinar password: MMhVVEhw456 (66488349 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Offering strategic guidance on how different types of funders can implement CoARA Commitments throughout the complex journey of research proposals from submission to decision, the framework underscores how research assessment reform helps to ensure that high-quality research is properly recognised. Rather than prescribing a sing model for reform, the output provides a structured set of considerations, guiding questions, and examples of current and emerging practices that organisations can adapt to their own contexts.
Core framework for Improving Practices in the Assessment of Research Proposals:
Importantly, the Working Group’s discussions contribute to a broader understanding of what research assessment reform means in a funding context. A central conclusion is that reform is not about replacing or weakening a focus on research excellence. Rather, it is about ensuring that high-quality research is recognised as effectively and fairly as possible. For research funders, this means creating assessment processes that improve the ability to identify and support excellent research while reducing the risk of overlooking valuable contributions, ideas, researchers, and career paths.
The report also reflects the diversity of funding systems and the complexity of proposal assessment processes, capturing a rich collection of practices and experiences from across the CoARA community. As such, it joins a growing body of resources available to organisations seeking to advance responsible research assessment and translate reform principles into practical change, including DORA’s Practical Guide for Funders.
The publication is dedicated to the memory of Jean-Emmanuel Faure, a founding member of CoARA whose commitment to research assessment reform continues to inspire the coalition’s work.