We are pleased to share the article “The Long Road to Changing the National Research Assessment System in Uruguay”, by Natalia Gras and Judith Sutz, recently published by DORA (Declaration on Research Assessment).
The article examines the discussion process that has taken place in Uruguay around academic and scientific evaluation mechanisms, addressing the tensions between traditional systems based on metrics and indicators and emerging approaches to responsible research assessment.
Throughout the article, the authors analyze how certain evaluation criteria have historically influenced academic practices, research agendas, and patterns of scientific recognition, particularly in peripheral contexts. They also reconstruct the institutional and collective process that led to the formulation of the “Fifteen Agreements on Research Assessment”, promoted by universities and national science and technology organizations in Uruguay.
The Uruguayan experience is particularly relevant to Latin American debates on STI policies, knowledge production, and the transformation of research assessment systems. Among other aspects, the agreements promote greater recognition of the diversity of academic contributions, collaborative work, the contextualization of research, and the social relevance of knowledge.
We believe this material makes a valuable contribution to contemporary debates on academic evaluation, science governance, STI policies, and knowledge production in Latin America.