Second edition Evaluating Research in Context

The book Evaluating Research in Context (PDF, 885kb) describes the sci_Quest method and its development. This second edition includes the results from recent pilot studies carried out at universities of applied sciences. The broader context is also detailed: Why is there such a need for a method to measure the social impact of research?

Why measure the social impact of research?

Over the last 40 years, the boundaries between government, commerce, culture and science have become increasingly less distinct. The boundaries between universities, funding agencies, government organisations, industrial R&D departments and other knowledge organisations have also become increasingly blurred. At the same time, methods have been developed in the Netherlands and elsewhere to measure the quality of research.

Initially the focus was mainly on the quantitative and scientific aspects. Over the past decade there has been a growing demand for instruments which measure not just the scientific quality but also the social impact of research. Such instruments have scarcely been developed. Although the scientific community is mainly interested in the scientific quality of research, society as a whole is more interested in its social impact. It is generally accepted that measuring social impact is far from easy but this does not diminish the need for such information.

Pilot Wageningen University and Research Centre

In 1998 sci_Quest was asked to develop an evaluation method for Wageningen University and Research Centre. This method had to do justice to both the scientific value and social impact of the research. Many non-scientific parties were involved in the research, such as farmers, local and national government and consumers. Of course at the same time the research also had to satisfy international scientific quality criteria.

Pilot Pharmaceutical Sciences

After this first pilot, a second pilot followed in 2003. The universities of Groningen and Utrecht requested to use the method, alongside the SEP, for the assessment of the pharmaceutical sciences. Here it was also clear that various stakeholders were involved in the research. Besides the pharmaceutical industry, pharmacists and patient organisations are also closely involved in the university research.

Pilot universities of applied sciences

In 2006, a third pilot study started in which the lectorates of universities of applied sciences were assessed. Cooperation with stakeholders is vital for lectors; in partnership with the stakeholders they are expected to contribute to applied research. Another key factor is building up knowledge networks.

You can download the book Evaluating Research in Context (PDF, 885kb) here.