Developing a "responsible assessment" system to improve research impact: a case study from Catalonia

Many lessons can be drawn from the burgeoning discourse on research impact assessment. Paula Adam, Maite Solans-Domènech, Núria Radó-Trilla, Toni Dedeu and Albert Barberà explain how they have applied these to the design of a health research assessment system in Catalonia, one that helps to embed impact from the early stages of a research programme. Emphasising the importance of values, leadership, culture, and empowerment, the SARIS system is focused on all research stakeholders and promotes the idea of “responsible” assessment, underpinned by openness, analysis, and engagement.