We are delighted to share some highlights from the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) in 2024. These illustrate how DORA delivers on its commitment to promoting quality and impact in research through fair and comprehensive research assessment practices, aligned with ASCB’s effort to honor excellence in all aspects of scientific achievement, from innovative research to the mentorship and support of the next generation of scientists.

New Resources Launched: DORA has introduced several new resources to support responsible research assessment. We encourage all ASCB members to explore these new resources and consider how they can be integrated into your own research practices.

• Guidance on Quantitative Indicators: This new document provides principles for the responsible use of various research metrics, including the Journal Impact Factor, h-index, and altmetrics. The guidance aims to reduce the misuse of these indicators and promote fairer evaluation practices.
• Adoption of Narrative CVs in grant funding: In collaboration with multiple international organizations, DORA released a report on the implementation and monitoring of narrative CVs for grant funding. This report offers valuable insights and recommendations for adopting narrative CVs to ensure a more holistic evaluation of researchers.
• Actions for improving pre-award processes: DORA hosted symposia and workshops with funders and research administrators to improve pre-award processes. These meetings generated actionable recommendations to enhance transparency and equity in research assessment.

Policy Influence and Advocacy: DORA continues to play a crucial role in shaping research policies. We hope you will join us in promoting a more holistic and fair approach to research assessment in the many organizations you engage with and are part of.

• New Engagement and Outreach Policy: Starting January 2025, organizations signing DORA will need to submit a public statement at the time of signing. This policy aims to increase transparency and accountability among signatories.
• Global Influence: DORA’s advocacy efforts have led to a significant increase in signatories, reflecting a growing global commitment to responsible research assessment. We hope to increasingly engage with institutions to move forward with their implementation of these practices through our communities of practice and Reformscape.

We are excited for what 2025 holds! Our main focus for this first quarter is co-creating a resource to guide research performing organizations in their journeys to implement responsible research assessment. We hope you will follow DORA on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more updates as we continue to support responsible research assessment in this new year.

Developed in 2012 during ASCB’s Annual Meeting and hosted by it ever since, DORA has grown from a pivotal declaration into a global organization, championing fair and comprehensive research assessment practices worldwide. You can sign DORA as an individual and as an organization at https://sfdora.org/sign/. Information about how your organization can support us is found in DORA’s governance procedures.