A National Chapter is a local branch of CoARA. It helps members implement the ten CoARA agreements for better research assessment in their country or region. Such as recognizing the diverse contributions of academics or using qualitative assessment criteria.
The new National Chapter is committed to Dutch CoARA members. During meetings, members share news about their progress, but there is also space to exchange knowledge and experience. At the same time, the chapter strengthens our voice within CoARA, and we share Dutch experiences with an international audience during CoARA events. All Dutch universities, UMCs, NWO, ZonMW, KNAW, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences are members of the chapter.
Over the past three years, CoARA has grown from a small group of enthusiasts into an international reform movement. More than 700 organizations worldwide have joined the coalition, from Andorra to Zimbabwe. There are now 18 National Chapters: including Norway, the United Kingdom, and France have preceded the Netherlands in establishing their own chapter.
Recognizing & Valuing
The goals of CoARA align seamlessly with the national program Recognizing & Valuing. Therefore, Prof. Dr. Arfan Ikram (Erasmus University/ZonMw and member of the Board of NWO) is the chair of the chapter, together with Prof. Dr. Hilde Verbeek (Maastricht University). They are also members of the Steering Group Recognizing & Valuing and will oversee the close cooperation between both initiatives.
NWO has been involved with the national program Recognizing and Valuing since the beginning, which aims to assess achieved scientific results and qualifications in their entirety. There is room for all aspects that fit the activities of scientists. This concerns academic activities in their entirety: the quality of the work, impact and relevance, competencies in collaboration and outreach, and participation in important developments such as open science. This gives due regard to what is expected of the contemporary scientist in todays society. By joining CoARA and the National Chapter, NWO also commits to bringing these ideals into practice internationally.