Global research funders support “recognize and reward” concept

Many countries have research funders like the Dutch Research Council (NWO) in the Netherlands, which grants money to scientists who apply. But there is not enough for everyone. How do organizations determine who they support and who they don't? We need to look at that in a new way, argue 65 research funders from around the world.

In the Netherlands, many advocate the new “recognize and reward” concept. When awarding research money, it should not only be about the number of publications and citations but also about team science and inclusiveness, for example.

Criticism

This is sometimes criticized, particularly in the science community: Won't the quality of research decline if funders focus on side issues instead of simply funding the best researchers? Former KNAW president Hans Clevers, for example, predicts “disastrous consequences.” 

Critics find it especially risky that the Netherlands is at the forefront of this trend. Soon you will have researchers who receive recognition in the Netherlands but not abroad, causing the Netherlands to become less attractive to international talent.

Proponents

But proponents have no objections. Researchers in other countries also want to shake up the assessment of science, they respond. Last year, many kinds of knowledge organizations in Europe agreed to improve research assessments.

So did research funders on Wednesday at their annual meeting, being held this year in the Netherlands. Their joint statement says research should be assessed “using broad and holistic ways of recognizing and rearding.” They want to assess scientific research primarily “qualitatively,” with hard numbers (such as citation scores) serving as support.

Responsible research should also be mindful of the pursuit of equity, diversity, and inclusion in science so that the “ecosystem” of science is inclusive and accessible to all who wish to contribute to it.