Evaluation of scientific research, particularly that research which is supported by government funds, is matter of growing concern in virtually every nation. No longer is it sufficient to expect that the value of investments in research will be judged in long-term, historical perspective. Resources are inevitably scare and policy-makers are seeking ways to assure that these resources are used in the most effective way. From the life-or-death evaluations of academy research institutes...
More DescriptionEvaluation of scientific research, particularly that research which is supported by government funds, is matter of growing concern in virtually every nation. No longer is it sufficient to expect that the value of investments in research will be judged in long-term, historical perspective. Resources are inevitably scare and policy-makers are seeking ways to assure that these resources are used in the most effective way. From the life-or-death evaluations of academy research institutes in the post-communist countries to the Government Performance and Results Act in the United States, research evaluation has become a topic of utmost importance in science policy. Because evaluation often have substantial consequences for researchers and research institutions, including restructuring, shifting of priorities, budget reductions, or even closures, it is essential that they be done systematically and objectively, with methodologies that can be understood and trusted by those concerned. This book, based on a NATO Advanced Research. Workshop co-organised by the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, describes a range of the most up-to-date methods of science evaluation and the experience in their implementation in many countries. It will be of interest to researchers, policy-makers, practitioners of science evaluation, and many others interested in science policy.