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Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA)

What is CoARA?

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The Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) is an initiative launched in 2022 at the instigation of the European Commission, in collaboration with Science Europe and the European University Association (EUA). It brings together over 700 members, including research funding bodies, evaluation bodies, universities and scientific societies, with the aim of promoting a shared and coordinated reform of research evaluation, based on common principles and focused on quality, transparency and diversity of scientific contributions. 

CoARA is based on the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (ARRA), presented in September 2022, which sets out guidelines for the innovation of evaluation systems. Membership is achieved by signing the Agreement and drawing up an Action Plan with objectives, actions and milestones for its implementation.

The Agreement sets out four fundamental commitments:

  • recognising the diversity of contributions and career paths;
  • prioritising qualitative assessment, with responsible use of quantitative indicators;
  • abandoning the misuse of metrics and rankings;
  • promoting integrity, fairness and transparency in assessment processes.

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CoARA is based on a multi-level collaborative structure that promotes the exchange of experiences and co-design between member institutions. Activities are divided into two main areas: Working Groups (WGs) and National Chapters (NCs) that promote dialogue with public institutions.

The Italian National Chapter, of which ANVUR is also a member, promotes the dissemination and recognition of good practices and dialogue with the Ministry on specific issues relating to research evaluation.

In this context, the Politecnico di Torino participates in WGs dedicated to gender equality and innovation in evaluation (TIER and EIA), while in the Italian National Chapter it has coordinated Task Force 2.3, focused on awareness and training activities, and is currently involved in the Chapter's activities. 

CoARA PoliTO

The Politecnico di Torino joined CoARA on 6 October 2022 and in March 2025 published its CoARA Action Plan, approved by the Board of Directors on 30 January of the same year, which translates the Coalition's principles into concrete and measurable actions.

The Plan is integrated into the University's institutional strategy and is developed along three main axes:

  • policy making, for the continuous improvement of evaluation processes;
  • internationalisation, through participation in global networks and strategic collaborations;
  • alignment with European standards, contained in the European Charter for Researchers and the European Commission's guidelines.

The Politecnico's CoARA Working Group coordinates the implementation and monitoring of the Plan, ensuring alignment with University policies and dialogue with European initiatives.

In 2025, the University was also selected for the CoARA Boost - Call 1 programme with the FEDRA project, dedicated to defining a Proof of Concept for an institutional FAIR data lake for the management and enhancement of research data.