Assessment of scientific research: improvement of science policies in Latin America

Abstract

This article seeks to identify criteria and indicators for scientific evaluation that will improve the way in which funding agencies, academic institutions and other groups evaluate the quality and impact of research. To do this, a bibliographic review is carried out, based on articles about scientific research evaluation policies and international agendas implemented in the last years (mainly in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, China and Latin America). The results indicate that there is no single method of scientific evaluation, since no indicator is absolute. Each research has different actors that must be considered and the research must be valued in its context. A mixed evaluation system is recommended, which incorporates quantitative and qualitative criteria, but recognizes the limits and scope of both and also of each discipline.