The Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) is delighted that one of its founding host institutions, the University of Exeter, has this week officially joined the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) by signing the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment.

This decision firmly cements the University of Exeter’s support for a global movement dedicated to transforming how research is evaluated, making the process fairer, more inclusive, and better aligned with the diversity of contributions that drive high-quality research. CoARA’s principles call for a shift away from over-reliance on publication-based metrics, such as citation counts and journal impact factors, toward a system that places peer review at its heart.

EDI’s Commitment to Responsible and Equitable Research

This development is warmly welcomed by the EDI, aligning with our ongoing commitment to advancing responsible and equitable research assessment.

As a joint venture with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the EDI has consistently championed principles of good research governance in a rapidly changing data landscape. Our work in this area has involved close collaboration with leading international partners, including:

• CoARA ERIP
• CODATA (Committee on Data of the International Science Council)
• RDA (Research Data Alliance)
• DORA (San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment)

Through these partnerships, the EDI has focused on developing policy frameworks and best practices that address the most pressing challenges to the integrity and equity of science. This work has specifically explored the profound impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitisation on the research ecosystem, alongside efforts to mitigate the structural inequity that can arise from outdated assessment methods.

By joining CoARA, the University of Exeter provides a significant impetus to these efforts, ensuring that the EDI’s core mission—to promote ethical, robust, and socially responsible data practices—is supported at the institutional level.

We look forward to working with colleagues in Exeter, Munich and our wider networks on leveraging the collaborative CoARA framework to drive continued positive change in how research excellence and ethical research is recognised and rewarded.