The Polish government’s recent proposals to reform the country’s research assessment system have been met with widespread scepticism from experts in the field. The plans, which aim to introduce a more quantitative approach to evaluating research quality, have been criticized for being overly simplistic and potentially damaging to the country’s academic community.
Under the proposed system, research institutions would be evaluated based on a set of metrics, including the number of publications, citations, and research grants secured. While the government argues that this approach will increase transparency and accountability, many experts believe that it will lead to a narrow focus on quantity over quality, and may even incentivize researchers to prioritize publishing over conducting meaningful research.
Critics argue that the proposed system fails to take into account the complexities of research, including the varying quality of publications, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the role of research in addressing societal challenges. They also point out that the metrics-based approach may disproportionately affect certain fields, such as the humanities and social sciences, which may not be as easily quantifiable as STEM fields.
Furthermore, experts warn that the proposed system may lead to a brain drain, as top researchers may be deterred from working in Poland due to the perceived lack of emphasis on quality and innovation. This could have long-term consequences for the country’s research ecosystem and its ability to attract international talent.
The Polish Academy of Sciences has also expressed concerns about the proposals, arguing that they may undermine the country’s research autonomy and independence. The Academy has called for a more nuanced approach to research assessment, one that takes into account the diverse needs and goals of different research institutions and fields.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the Polish government will take into account the concerns of the academic community and revise its proposals. One thing is clear, however: any changes to the research assessment system must prioritize the quality and integrity of research, rather than simply chasing numbers and metrics.
