Prof. Mitja Žagar, PhD from the Institute for Ethnic Studies participated as a panelist in an expert consultation entitled “Balancing quantitative and qualitative indicators and the responsible use of bibliometrics in the evaluation of scientific research work.” The consultation was intended to discuss the reform of scientific research evaluation systems in Slovenia, particularly in light of the principles of the CoARA initiative and the applicable regulations and guidelines in the field of science and higher education.
The participants shared different views on the specifics of the Slovenian research environment and the challenges of implementing the reform of the evaluation of scientific research work in practice. The discussion was based on the concrete experiences of universities, public research institutions, and state agencies responsible for evaluating scientific research work, and also included the perspective of the younger generation of researchers. As expected, the focus was on critical reflection on the contextualisation of CoARA principles in the Slovenian environment and how to translate them into concrete reform measures.
Prof. Mitja Žagar, PhD emphasized the importance of taking into account the specific characteristics of the social sciences and humanities, especially in areas dealing with minorities, ethnicity, and social inequalities. He pointed out that systems for evaluating scientific research work must recognize the diversity of research approaches, languages of publication, and the importance of monographs and other forms of scientific work, which are often underestimated by traditional bibliometric indicators. He advocated for reforms that would enable a more equitable, content-based, and long-term sustainable evaluation.
The consultation was attended by Špela Stres, PhD (member of the EIC Executive Committee and former director of ARIS), Neja Bizjak Štraus (President of the Young Academy), Prof. Mitja Žagar, PhD (Institute for Ethnic Studies), Doc. Anže Županič, PhD (National Institute of Biology), Prof. Gregor Majdič, PhD (Rector of the University of Ljubljana), and Franci Demšar, PhD (Director of NAKVIS). The discussion was moderated by Klemen Miklavič, PhD. Prof. Žagar’s participation in the consultation is part of the Institute for Ethnic Studies’ ongoing efforts to actively contribute to the development of well-considered and fair research policies in Slovenia.
