Winds of change

Let’s not lose momentum for a better research environment

The start of the autumn academic term comes at a time of impending change in European research policy. Later this month, EU member states should confirm which measures they want taken forward to raise R&D standards and conditions, under the banner of the European Research Area initiative. One focus is expected to be reform of research assessment.

The move towards this—including through reining in the unwanted use of journal metrics and league tables—is already gathering momentum through an EU-led agreement on how reforms should be made. The first research organisations could sign up this month, though others have indicated they will hold off until more detail emerges.