Evaluating research performance – possibilities and limits
Is it really possible to measure research performance and the influence of scientific work objectively? The “Swiss Year of Scientometrics” (SYoS) shines a light on the limits and possibilities for scientometrics.
These days, scientometric indicators and data are important for evaluating research performance and managing scientific institutions. However, although their appropriate use requires contextualisation and interpretation, scientometric data and indicators such as the h-index or Journal Impact Factor (JIF) are all too often used without sufficient consideration. This can lead to misinterpretation and, ultimately, result in the wrong decisions being made.
Against this background, the ETH Library is organising a “Swiss Year of Scientometrics” (SYoS) from June 2023 to May 2024 as part of a project funded by external pageswissuniviersities.
Events during the Swiss Year of Scientometrics
SYoS consists of four lectures, each of which are supplemented by a workshop and accompanying awareness campaign. The aim of this lecture/workshop series is to encourage a more in-depth discussion of the possibilities and limits of scientometrics in Switzerland and promote the responsible use of scientometric indicators – also in view of the increasing importance of open science. And furthermore to find out which scientometric services and data will be needed in Switzerland in the future.
The first lecture will be held on 7 June 2023 and the first workshop on 8 June 2023 at ETH Zurich. More information about the first two events and the person giving the lecture will be announced shortly.
Further dates and information about how to register will follow.
Advance notice: blog and space for discussion
A blog on the possibilities and limits of scientometrics, as well as how to make responsible use of it, will launch in the spring. With articles written by specialists in the field, the blog will serve as a space for discussion and a more in-depth examination of related topics. These discussions will be initiated in the run-up to the lectures and taken up again for examination in further detail afterwards. Follow us on external pageTwitter and external pageLinkedIn to avoid missing anything.
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