Opening Research Assessment to Multi-Contexts

OpenRAM seeks to transform research assessment by moving beyond publication-based indicators such as JIF and addressing their systemic biases. Current systems often overlook societal impact, undervalue diverse outputs like datasets or policy contributions, and marginalize knowledge from underrepresented regions. To respond to these challenges, OpenRAM introduces the Multiversatory, a participatory and federated living lab that integrates diverse data sources and develops context-sensitive indicators. The Multiversatory combines conceptual development, empirical case studies, and capacity building to create fairer and more transparent assessment practices. It promotes inclusive and participatory approaches, addresses epistemic inequities by making visible diverse knowledge systems, and fosters equitable collaborations between the Global North and South. Case studies will explore career assessment, institutional evaluation, and national research systems, testing how plural and conditional metrics can be applied across different contexts. By aligning with global initiatives such as DORA, the Leiden Manifesto, CoARA, the project operationalises responsible assessment principles through open infrastructures and participatory methodologies. Its interdisciplinary consortium, spanning Europe, Latin America, and Africa, will collaborate through secondments, peer learning, and training activities, ensuring that outputs are transferable and sustainable. OpenRAM will produce federated open infrastructures, participatory frameworks, and multilingual training programmes that strengthen the visibility of diverse research contributions. Scientifically it widens what counts in evaluation, economically it reduces dependence on proprietary systems through open tools, and societally it supports more equitable recognition of research aligned with local and global challenges. In doing so, OpenRAM aims to deliver practical frameworks that make responsible research assessment a reality.