Yes we should; Research assessment in the humanities

Abstract

In this contribution I argue that the Humanities, just like any other mature field of knowledge, should have or develop a system by which its research can be assessed. In a world that increasingly asks for justification of public funds, where public money becomes scarcer, so that less amounts have to be distributed among more players, where research funds are being concentrated and distributed on a highly competitive basis, we as humanists cannot shy away from research assessment with the argument that ‘we are different from the rest’ or that ‘we don’t need it’. Of course the humanities are a distinct member of the body of academic knowledge, but that holds true for every discipline. If we agree that for instance that bibliometry does not suit most players in our field, the question becomes: what will suit us better? Case-studies? This contribution also contains a warning: let us stop arguing about the language issue. English is the modern Latin of academia and its use enables us to communicate with one another, wherever we are or who we are. Without providing definite solutions, my argument is that we, humanists, should take the steering wheel ourselves in developing adequate forms of research assessment. If we leave it to others, the humanities will look like arms attached to a foot.