Topic: 9. Responsibility, Ethics, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in Research and Innovation
Abstract
Research institutions around the world are constantly evaluated and benchmarked against each other in various international global rankings. However, recent debate on the validity and sustainability of many of these rankings has sparked various reactions, including withdrawal from some of the rankings and calls from international, European, and national university and student collectives to challenge their negative effects. This situation has left many institutions grappling with how they should be engaging with university ranking. This presentation will start by outlining some of the limitations and biases of university rankings, which are important to take into consideration when engaging with them. It will explore why rankings are so widely used, and by whom, and how sustainable this is. University rankings will then be considered in the light of principles of responsible research assessment. Secondly, we will explore some case studies of how various institutions, ranking organizations, and research initiatives have responded to the growing concerns surrounding university rankings. We will discuss 1) some of the institutions that have chosen to withdraw from the rankings and why, 2) how some of the rankers are adapting their methods to improve equity and transparency, and 3) how university and student collectives are recommending that universities engage more critically with the global university rankings. Lastly, we will overview the ‘More Than Our Rank’ initiative, which was developed by the INORMS Research Evaluation Group. We will outline how this international initiative can provide a sustainable way for institutions to continue engaging with rankings, while also recognize the many strengths and values that are not reflected in rankings. We will explain how ‘More Than Our Rank’ provides a path for academic institutions to demonstrate their commitment to responsible assessment and to acknowledge a broader and more diverse definition of institutional success. This presentation will provide attendees with both the basic knowledge and background required to understanding the rankings, as well as explore the options on how their institution can move forward towards a more responsible and sustainable engagement with international rankings.
