The use of bibliometrics in research policy and evaluation activities

Here you can read about the project named "The use of bibliometrics in research policy and evaluation activities", funded by NordForsk. The bibliometrics project was a part of the NORIA-net coordination program, which is aimed at enhancing cooperation between Nordic national research and innovation financiers and managers.

Project time frame


An initial project meeting was held at the Swedish Research Council in Stockholm, Sweden 2008-02-12 and the project ended 2010-03-31.

Project outcomes


Reports:
Bibliometrics in the Nordic countries - an overview of organisations, studies and activities
International Research Cooperation in the Nordic countriesexternal link
Bibliometric Research Performance Indicators for the Nordic Countriesexternal link

The reports 2 and 3 was presented at a NordForsk seminar in Copenhagen June 7th 2010.

Workshop:
14th Nordic Workshop on Bibliometrics and Science Policy

Project organisation


Coordinator: Staffan Karlsson, The Swedish Research Council Participating Nordic organisations: Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation; Academy of Finland; Rannis (Iceland); NIFU STEP (Norway); The Swedish Research Council.

Project background


Bibliometric indicators attain increasing attention in national and international evaluations and research policy discussions. It is of key importance to explore and enhance the utilisation of bibliometrics and expertise in interpreting indicators. The basis for developing valid indicators is broad expertise, reliable data, good methods and advanced analysis tools.

The rapid growth of assessment and evaluation has led to an increased use of various bibliometric indicators describing scientific outcome and productivity, collaboration, as well as visibility and impact. There are challenges in using different national and international data sources in terms of quality assurance, comparing and pooling different data sources and cost.

The development of sophisticated indicators often requires long-term research. The indicators also have somewhat limited applicability, and it is rarely that their interpretation is straightforward and unproblematic. They do, however, provide a useful backdrop for discussion as well as for the formulation of new questions. If used uncritically, bibliometric indicators may lead to flawed conclusions.

The NORIA-net project on bibliometrics is an excellent tool for coordination of activities aiming at disseminating best practices in bibliometrics in the Nordic countries.

Contact: webbredaktör
Updated: 2010-08-26
Klarabergsviadukten 82
Box 1035, SE-101 38  Stockholm
Telefon: +46(0)8-546 44 000
Fax: +46(0)8-546 44 180
Org nr: 202100-5208
Invoice address: FE 57, SE-833 83 Strömsund