The Irish Research e-Library (IReL) is pleased to announce the launch of ARION (Advancing Research Assessment through Integrated Open Practices and Narrative), a new three-year Horizon Europe project that aims to transform how research and researchers are assessed across Europe. The project officially commenced this month following its kick-off meeting in Athens on 16-17 September 2026.
Coordinated by OpenAIRE, ARION brings together 14 organisations from across Europe, including universities, research funders, assessment specialists, open infrastructure providers, and international research assessment communities. The project will address one of the most significant challenges facing the research sector today: translating the principles of responsible research assessment into practical, sustainable institutional change.
Research assessment systems have traditionally relied heavily on bibliometric indicators and publication-based metrics. While international initiatives such as DORA and CoARA have established widely supported principles for more responsible approaches to assessment, many organisations continue to face challenges in embedding these principles into recruitment, promotion, funding, and evaluation processes. ARION aims to bridge this gap by developing practical tools, policies, and infrastructure that support fairer, more transparent, and more inclusive assessment practices.
As a project partner, IReL will contribute its expertise in open research, research infrastructure, persistent identifiers, and national stakeholder engagement. The organisation’s leadership in developing Ireland’s open research ecosystem, including its work with the National Open Access Monitor, ORCID adoption, and the National Open Research Forum (NORF), positions it as a valuable contributor to the project’s objectives.
The project will work with eight pilot institutions across Europe to test and refine four key interventions:
- Enhanced digital researcher profiles powered by open infrastructures
- Narrative CV approaches that recognise diverse research contributions
- Institutional model policies for responsible research assessment
- HR toolkits aligned with the European ResearchComp framework
Together, these interventions will help institutions recognise a broader range of academic contributions, including open science practices, data stewardship, mentoring, societal engagement, and research leadership.
“IReL brings strong connections across the Library and open research communities and extensive expertise in open access monitoring. We are excited to contribute to the development of innovative pilots that advance responsible research assessment.”
Aaron Binchy, Open Access Monitoring Officer
The €2 million Horizon Europe project will run until August 2029 and will deliver practical, evidence-based solutions that can be adopted by research organisations across Europe and beyond. By connecting responsible research assessment reform with open science and interoperable research infrastructures, ARION seeks to create lasting change in the way research excellence is recognised and rewarded.