Co-designing a National Resource on the Responsible use of research metric
Presenter: Colleen Thomas
Research Culture & Engagement Manager, University College Dublin
Abstract
To meet the Irish National priority for mainstreaming open science practices there must be an evaluation system that appropriately recognises a broad range of outputs and transparent practices which are integral to an open research environment. This project funded by NORF addressed the critical need for a national training resource on the responsible use of research metrics (RURM) in Ireland. Research has shown that inappropriate use of metrics can negatively impact research culture and disproportionately affect women and researchers from minority groups. To address this gap, the Research Culture Team at UCD collaborated with partners at UCC, TUS, and DCU to co-design a National open educational resource (OER) on RURM. The project employed a mixed-methods approach, including five focus group workshops with 124 researchers across Ireland and beta-testing by 92 participants. The findings revealed a moderate level of understanding of RURM, with 44% reporting little to no familiarity. Participants emphasized the need for foundational knowledge and practical tools to apply metrics fairly across different disciplines and career stages. The beta-testing feedback was highly positive, with 88% of participants finding the module relevant to their discipline and 83% rating it as well-structured and easy to navigate. This OER provides an essential tool to advance a more equitable and transparent research culture in Ireland, aligning with national open science priorities.
About
Dr Colleen Thomas is Research Culture & Engagement Manager at University College Dublin, where she has led research culture initiatives for several years. She is at the forefront of UCD’s Wellcome-funded research culture projects and plays a key role in shaping institutional strategies. Colleen brings a wealth of expertise in fostering inclusive and innovative research environments and is a driving force in the All-Island Research Culture Network.