Researcher Identity Development
The ReAss aims to pilot a reform of research and researcher assessment practices at the FPCEE-Blanquerna, Universitat Ramon Llull.
1. Recognising diverse types of research contributions;
2. Promoting a broad consideration of research quality and societal impact;
3. Fostering inclusivity, peer review, openness and collaboration among researchers.
Additionally, it aims to (4) understand the challenges, biases and researchers’ attitudes when adopting new research assessment criteria, and (5) reflect on the culture of research assessment developed over time in the fields of education, communication, health and sports
It is committed to reforming the methods and processes by which research, researchers, and research organisations are evaluated, in line with the CoARA principles.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation program under Grant Agreement No. 101131826, and is supported by the FPCEE-Blanquerna, Ramon Llull University
An evidence-based, co-created, and participatory project
Researcher-Centred Data Collection:
Survey and Focus Groups
Want to know more? Download our White Paper - Final Report
Review of Current and Previous Practices
FPCEE–Blanquerna reviewed its research assessment practices over the period 2004–2024 to inform the ReAss pilot. The analysis examined the evolution of evaluation criteria, procedures, and governance, identifying key strengths, challenges, and opportunities for change.
The review highlighted the solidity and transparency of existing assessment processes, as well as their formative orientation and integration within quality assurance systems. At the same time, it revealed an overreliance on quantitative indicators and limited recognition of diverse research contributions, career stages, and disciplinary profiles.
The findings pointed to clear opportunities to broaden the understanding of research quality, introduce qualitative and narrative-based approaches, and better reflect the institution’s mission-oriented and socially engaged research. These insights underscored the need for a carefully designed pilot to support a more inclusive and responsible approach to research assessment.
Want to know more? Read the full report.
Researcher-Centred Data Collection:
Survey and Focus Groups
To complement the institutional review, the project gathered direct input from researchers through a survey and focus groups. The survey combined quantitative and qualitative questions and considered differences across career stages (R1–R4), capturing perceptions of the current evaluation system, its limitations, and areas for improvement.
While researchers valued clear criteria and the formative intent of assessment, they highlighted an overreliance on bibliometric indicators, limited recognition of diverse contributions, and risks associated with metric-driven cultures. Focus groups with researchers from different disciplines and career stages provided deeper insight into how assessment practices influence research behaviours, career development, and institutional culture.
Want to know more? Read the full report:
Dimensions of Change
As a result of the Review and the Data Collection, seven interrelated dimensions of change were identified and collectively endorsed:
1. Broadening the Conceptualisation of Research Quality
2. Embedding Qualitative, Narrative and Peer-Based Assessment
3. Ensuring Researcher Development and Inclusivity Across Career Stages
4. Enhancing Reflexivity, Transparency and Formative Feedback
5. Fostering Researcher Engagement and Co-Creation
6. Reframing the Role of Assessment in Career Progression
7. Aligning Individual and Group-Based Assessment to Support Sustainable Research Environments
CV Narrative Template
A key outcome of the ReAss project is the development of the Narrative CV Template – FPCEE Blanquerna, a qualitative assessment tool designed to support responsible research assessment. Developed through a collaborative and iterative process, the template is aligned with CoARA principles and adapted to the institutional and regulatory context.
The Narrative CV combines reflective and contextual elements to capture research contributions over the last three years, including knowledge generation, researcher development, community engagement, and societal impact. By linking individual trajectories with team and institutional strategies, it enables a more holistic, inclusive, and sustainable approach to research evaluation.
Want to know more? Read the CV Narrative Template.
Assessment Tools and
GenAI Integration
To support the consistent and transparent use of the Narrative CV, the ReAss project developed a set of qualitative assessment tools combining a structured evaluation rubric with GenAI-based decision support. The rubric translates Narrative CV contributions into career-stage–sensitive criteria (R1–R4), enabling reasoned qualitative judgement without reliance on quantitative thresholds.
A GenAI system was developed to complement human evaluation by analysing Narrative CVs module by module, generating structured assessments, evidence-based justifications, and formative feedback. Designed for responsible use and validated through human–AI comparison, the system enhances transparency, coherence, and scalability while reinforcing the formative and developmental purpose of research assessment.
Would you like to know more? Explore the (1) GenAI Assessment Rubric – FPCEE Blanquerna, and the (2) Gen-AI Assisted Model for CoARA-Aligned Researcher Assessment
Training and Capacity-Building Activities
The ReAss project complemented new assessment tools with a programme of training and capacity-building actions to support cultural change in research assessment. Activities focused on building understanding, trust, and responsible use of the Narrative CV, the qualitative rubric, and the GenAI-supported assessment model.
Through targeted meetings, training sessions, and modular learning resources, researchers, research leaders, and decision-makers were introduced to CoARA principles and new assessment practices. These actions supported progressive adoption, fostered dialogue, and helped consolidate a shared understanding of qualitative, inclusive, and career-sensitive research assessment.
Would you like to know more? Explore our Internal Presentations and Training Capsules:
