At Health Sciences University (HSU), fostering a vibrant research culture and supporting staff development are at the heart of its mission. In this GuildHE Member Spotlight, Dr Julie Northam shares HSU’s journey in rethinking research assessment through the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA). From co-developing narrative-driven tools to embedding reflective practices across the institution, Julie highlights how even a small specialist university can lead meaningful change in how research contributions are valued and recognised.

At HSU, we are committed to supporting the development of our staff, fostering impactful research and knowledge exchange, and creating a vibrant research culture. Yet, like many small and specialist institutions, we have faced the challenge of designing research assessment processes that truly reflect the diversity and value of research contributions. Joining CoARA offered us the perfect opportunity to address this challenge and rethink how we evaluate research at our institution.

Dr Julie Northam, Director of Research, Health Sciences University

Resonating with our mission

CoARA’s principles resonated strongly with our mission. We wanted a framework that would encourage responsible, inclusive, and context-sensitive assessment, while helping our academics reflect on their achievements and develop ambitious and achievable research plans. For a smaller institution, the CoARA community also offered access to shared expertise, best practice, and support from peers navigating similar challenges, which was invaluable (for example, through the CoARA UK National Chapter).

Our approach 

We were successful in being awarded institutional pilot funding through the first round of the CoARA Boost funding programme. Through this project, we launched a project to redesign the research and knowledge exchange section of our Academic Framework and to improve the personal research planning process that we launched in summer 2024. Our aim was simple yet ambitious: make assessment meaningful, narrative-driven, supportive of career development at all stages, and to contribute to a healthier and more vibrant research culture.

We convened a diverse group of staff, postgraduate researchers, and patient and public contributors to co-develop the new tools, criteria, and processes. Through workshops, asynchronous exercises (via Padlet), and stress-testing scenarios (using hypothetical vignettes), we gathered feedback that allowed us to refine and strengthen our approach. Importantly, we integrated narrative assessment principles that emphasise qualitative reflection alongside quantitative indicators, enabling researchers to showcase impact, mentorship, collaboration, and public engagement.

Building capacity through training and support

A key part of our implementation was training. Reviewers and line managers completed bespoke sessions on responsible research assessment, narrative evaluation, and how to support researchers in articulating their achievements. Our research-active academic staff completed bespoke development on how to write a narrative-CV style personal research plan, how to articulate the impact and value of their contributions, and how to develop a three-year research plan. We also developed guidance and resources for staff, ensuring everyone could engage with the new process confidently and meaningfully.

Impact and lessons learned

The results have been encouraging. Researchers reported greater confidence in reflecting on their contributions beyond metrics, and personal research planning conversations have become richer and more strategic. Reviewers report feeling more confident with evaluating narratives thoughtfully and fairly, helping to strengthen annual review and regular 1:1 conversations. At the institutional level, the project has prompted deeper dialogue around research culture, collegiality, and the diversity of contributions.

For small and specialist institutions, our experience highlights how CoARA can provide both a framework and a supportive network for implementing responsible research assessment. Key enablers were strong leadership buy-in, cross-institutional collaboration (particularly through our CoARA Working Group), and the inclusion of diverse voices in co-design. Challenges, such as balancing workloads and navigating existing governance structures, were mitigated through careful planning and engagement.

What's next

We are planning to extend the principles and processes developed through our CoARA work to other parts of the University’s Academic Framework, including education and professional practice. By embedding CoARA’s approach throughout the institution, we are fostering a culture that values reflection, impact, and equity.

CoARA offers a pathway to reimagine research assessment in a way that is fair, contextually relevant, and supportive of diverse careers. Becoming a CoARA signatory provides access to guidance, shared experiences, and a community of like-minded institutions, making it easier to implement change confidently and effectively. Our journey so far at HSU demonstrates that, with commitment and collaboration, even small teams can lead impactful reform in research assessment.

Dr Julie Northam, Director of Research, Health Sciences University

For further information, email Dr Julie Northam, Director of Research, Health Sciences University, email [email protected] 

 

Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Funded within the framework of the CoARA Boost Project under grant agreement No 101131826.

COARA