A step forward in research assessment - DK PRES conference

The EU High-Level Conference on Reforming Research Assessment (CeRRA) was organised on 3 – 4 December 2025 in Copenhagen by the Danish Presidency in the Council of the EU with the financial support from the HE programme (part ERA of the WIDERA Work Programme). The main aim of this event was to discuss and shape the future of the research assessment reform by the leading representatives from science, research and innovation communities in close cooperation with Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) that, by the way, celebrated its third year of its existence.

Publication “Emerging Practices in Research Assessment: Cross-Case Analysis of 10 International Funders” was produced by CeRRA and released ahead of the conference. The document shows how research funding agencies play a central role in shaping research cultures, career trajectories and norms of research assessment.

The opening plenary panel took stock of current and future dimensions of research assessment to maximize the quality and impact of research and Innovation. The second day offered three breakout sessions: the first one provided an overview of evidence relating to the assessment reforms so far, the second one was designed to promote peer learning, and the third one discussed how to balance competition with collaboration and ensure that European universities stay at the forefront of global science. The conference was concluded with a shared commitment to transform the way research, researchers and research organisations are evaluated. 

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