Research Metrics Explained

Research Metrics Explanation

What are Research Metrics:

These are a range of primarily quantitative indicators of research performance, such as numerical or bibliographic measures of research output and quality. These include a variety of metrics such as citations of publications, and impact factor of journals, counts of publications with international collaborators etc. They tell one side of the story when it comes to research output – ie a numerical bibliographic picture. In line with the University’s commitment to Responsible Metrics, It is good practice also to use a number of different metrics alongside qualitative indicators to ensure a more comprehensive assessment within context is performed.

They do not replace Peer-review assessment but can enhance context for such assessments.

Why do we use research metrics?

• Researchers use metrics to help understand the standing of their working within the context of other research and can be used to benchmark their career progress or to assert your value on grant applications or CVs.
• The University uses metrics to understand progress towards our strategic goals, to benchmark our performance with our peers, to aid hiring and promotion decisions, to inform operational planning and KPIs and to develop our research strategy.
• External agencies such as THE and QS use them as a major part of their methodology for ranking institutions globally (Click for more information on THE and QS Methodologies).