Augmented assessment: shifting purposes, evolving methods, and the future of national research assessment systems

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

Abstract

National research assessment systems stand at a crossroads. As countries worldwide redesign evaluation approaches - exploring AI-assisted methods, open data sources, and real-time dashboards - they face a fundamental question: can these innovations deliver on promises of reducing administrative burden and enhancing strategic intelligence while upholding responsible assessment principles? This session convenes leading researchers and reform advocates to examine what national assessment systems of the future may look like. Speakers grounded in different national systems and policy contexts will compare concrete reform experiences across national contexts, explore tensions between innovation and responsibility, efficiency and legitimacy, and accountability and learning. With research integrity challenges mounting in an era of AI-generated content and multiple countries reforming large-scale national exercises simultaneously, this session provides both a rare window for collective learning and a timely forum for raising difficult questions about the long-term performance and viability of national assessment systems.

Authors 6

1. Alex Rushforth Aachen Research on Research Institute

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   CWTS, Leiden University, Netherlands | Research on Research Institute, Leiden University, China

2. Lin Zhang

   Wuhan University

   Affiliation as printed

   Wuhan University, Wuhan University, China

3. Gunnar Sivertsen

   Nordic Institute for Studies in Innovation, Research and Education

   Affiliation as printed

   NIFU, NIFU, Norway

4. Karen Stroobants
   Affiliation as printed

   Culture Base, Culture Base, United Kingdom

5. Fernando Galindo‐Rueda

   Organisation de Coopération et de Développement Economiques

   Affiliation as printed

   OECD, OECD, France

6. James Wilsdon

   University College London

   Affiliation as printed

   RoRI, University College London, United Kingdom