Great science happens in great teams - research assessments must try to capture that

"Yet, the rise of 'big science' has put more emphasis on teams than on individuals. Studies have shown that research groups and collaborations, and the culture in which they operate, are key to fostering high-quality and impactful science. One analysis of 65 million papers, patents and software products found that teams were more likely to generate disruptive science than individuals were ()."

"However, the ways in which universities and researchers are assessed haven't changed. Genuine scientific and societal transformation not only requires the best scientists but also the best teams. It's time to evaluate and reward teams, not just individual scientists. This call to action is a central pillar of Denmark's presidency of the council of the European Union. It is also the focus of the EU High-Level Conference on Reforming Research Assessment in Copenhagen this week, which I am chairing."

Research is increasingly driven by teams, with 'big science' emphasizing collaborative groups and the cultures that support them. Empirical analyses show teams produce more disruptive and innovative outcomes, and non-hierarchical, collaborative cultures promote creativity. Current university and researcher assessment systems remain focused on individual achievement, creating a mismatch between incentives and the team-based nature of much modern research. Policy action is underway at the European level, including a high-level conference and political support, to reform assessment practices. Building inclusive, efficient, and creative team cultures is essential but difficult to measure; funders and leaders must recognize what makes strong teams.

Read at Nature