Quality and impact of research in the humanities and social sciences

The issue of appropriate evaluation of research remains a major challenge for universities in Switzerland and around the world. The humanities and social sciences are primarily characterised by specific features that make it difficult to assess the quality of research on the basis of a few figures, given the diversity of languages, methodological approaches and forms of publication. Between 2007 and 2016, a number of programmes and projects have been set up to raise the profile of the quality and impact of research in the humanities and social sciences, and to develop new and innovative evaluation tools.

At UNIL, this project was led by C. Arnold (research dicast) D. Vinck (Prof. SSP) and A. Bumbaru (SSP research officer) in close collaboration with the deacutees, FORS and researchers from the various faculties. In particular, the criteria identified were used to define new headings in SERVAL and are included in the research evaluation criteria for certain faculties.

For young researchers, a CV content guide has been developed based on these evaluation criteria and made available by the Graduate Campus. Visual representations of the collaborative networks have been developed at the request of researchers.

Thanks to analyses carried out on data sources relating to researchers' publications and to meetings with the deans, which enabled the needs of researchers to be better defined, it was possible to explore and select relevant and exhaustive indicators for all disciplines. The various initiatives undertaken at UNIL have made it possible to draw up a comprehensive list of indicators and then to identify twelve groups of indicators relating to research activity in the social sciences and humanities:

It is important to note that the list of indicators is not exhaustive.

1. Academic and/or non-academic curricula
2. Academic and non-academic professional experience
3. Scientific profile
4. Awards and distinctions
5. Membership of professional networks
6. Research: scientific partnerships and outside academia
7. Any type of publication
8. Miscellaneous activities corresponding to the researcher's research activity: exhibition, film, …
9. Research training: supervision of Bachelor's and Master's students, PhD students, trainees, visiting researchers, post docs, HDRs
10. Lecturing and oral interventions in and outside UNIL (conferences, colloquia, speeches …)
11. Media communication
12. Scientific or professional organisation and leadership

These are very broad indicators that make it possible to circumscribe the activity of researchers in SHS.

The University of Lausanne has proposed adapting and implementing the methodological approach to the analysis of collaboration networks and partnerships developed by the University of Lausanne;analysis of collaboration and partnership networks developed by the University of Neuchâtel. This involvement will be linked to the University of Lausanne's policy, one of the key values of which is flexibility. In this sense, it should contribute to supporting the reflection of researchers and components of the university on their own activities. The aim is to give everyone the means to think about and implement the dynamics that correspond to their own projects and to develop professionally.

In particular, the aim is to support a process of continuous improvement in SHS research at all levels, particularly in terms of scientific collaboration and partnerships with the City, based on criteria deemed relevant by the players involved.

Analysis of the dynamics of the deployment of collaborative networks and partnerships will provide researchers with visualisations and indicators that give a clear picture of the various modes of interaction in which they have invested. This will cover national and international academic collaborations (within and between research units, institutes, faculties and universities), as well as partnerships with extra-academic local and extra-local players (public and private sector). These visualisations will support his or her reflection on his or her own activities and the changes he or she wishes to bring to fruition.

These visualisations will also provide food for thought for the university’s components (laboratories, institutes, faculties, thematic network(s), etc.) about their own activities and the changes they wish to bring about.

These visualisations will also provide food for thought for the university’s components (laboratories, institutes, faculties, thematic network(s), etc.) about their own activities and the changes they wish to bring about.) on their own activities in order to reflect on them, take stock of them and refine or redirect their deployment. They will also enable us to explore what can be done to increase the visibility of actual activity and its effects for researchers, the bodies that support them and those who have to make decisions (recruitment, appointments). They should also provide an interesting tool for dialogue with external bodies, such as the Canton, offering visibility, particularly in terms of what does not appear in publications and co-signatures.

The project is being conducted under the responsibility of Dominique Vinck (SSP) and Claire Arnold (Direction) and will be supported in particular by Alexandra Bumbaru (SSP).

A European network of specialists (COST Action CA15137) is examining the various aspects related to the evaluation of research in the Human Sciences:

European Network for Research Evaluation in the Social Sciences and the Humanities (ENRESSH)

Since 2008, the University of Neuchâtel has developed a methodology and produced maps of research-related networks.

A great deal of information is available on the research evaluation.

At a national level, a network of specialists within Swiss universities is meeting regularly to share their experiences of research evaluation and the enhancement of research in the Humanities and Social Sciences. This programme is supported by Swissuniversities.