From Impact Factor to Impact Framework: Transforming How We Evaluate Research

The Journal Impact Factor (JIF) has long dominated research evaluation, shaping funding decisions, institutional rankings, and academic career advancement. However, as the scholarly publishing community pushes for more holistic and responsible research assessment, alternative metrics and incentive structures are gaining traction (e.g., Citescore, Altmetric, DORA initiatives, etc.) This session will explore the current state of models for evaluating research impact, including open science practices, real-world applications, community engagement, and qualitative measures, while addressing the challenges of cultural change in academia and publishing.

Panelists from across the scholarly ecosystem will share insights on how publishers, funders, researchers, and institutions can work toward policies that reward diverse contributions to knowledge. The discussion will also highlight case studies of successful transitions toward broader evaluation frameworks.