By Giovanna Lima, DORA 

On December 2, 2025, the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) will host a co-creation workshop as a side event of the CeRRA Conference in Copenhagen. This invitation-only session marks the final meeting in a series of collaborative workshops to develop a Practical Guide for Implementing Responsible Research Assessment at Research Funding Institutions, being developed in partnership with the Global Research Council Responsible Research Assessment Working Group and Science Europe.

The Guide is being designed as a flexible, action-oriented resource to support research funding organizations (RFOs) in embedding Responsible Research Assessment (RRA) across their operations. It will feature practical tools, curated case studies, and “Things to Think About” prompts to help funders take context-sensitive steps toward reform. Building on the structure and spirit of DORA’s earlier guide for research performing organizations (available here), this new volume will be tailored to the specific needs of funders, with examples and strategies relevant to their unique roles in the research ecosystem.

The co-creation process includes two virtual workshops with each of DORA’s Asia-Pacific and Africa, Americas and Europe Funders Groups (learn more here), in September and November 2025. During these sessions, participants provided feedback on the Guide’s outline, including:

• The value of the Guide in supporting RRA initiatives
• Validating key activities for advancing RRA and key moments in research and researcher assessment.
• Suggestions for resources and case studies to enrich the Guide. 

The December workshop at CeRRA will bring together funders, researchers, and policy makers to refine the Guide’s content and ensure it reflects diverse perspectives and practical realities. Facilitated by DORA Chairs, Ginny Barbour, Kelly Cobey, and Rebecca Lawrence, the session will focus on the Guide’s dissemination and identifying opportunities for alignment and collective action across the global community, as well as the connection of RRA with relevant topics including research integrity, open science and societal impact.

This initiative reflects a growing international movement to rethink how research and researchers are evaluated. By co-creating this Guide, DORA and its partners aim to foster more transparent, inclusive, and impactful research cultures—recognizing the leadership role funders play in shaping assessment practices and driving systemic change.

For more information or to express interest, please contact: info@sfdora.org