New Research Contribution Claim Network explores recognition of diverse research outputs

As research assessment continues to evolve beyond traditional measures of scholarly impact, new approaches are emerging to better recognise the full breadth of researchers’ contributions. One such initiative is the Research Contribution Claim Network, an open, decentralised framework that aims to make a much wider range of research outputs and activities visible and discoverable.

Developed by Patrick Hochstenbach (Ghent University), Herbert Van de Sompel (DANS), Thomas van Himbergen (SURF), and Laurents Sesink (SURF), the Research Contribution Claim Network proposes a trusted approach for capturing both traditional and non-traditional research contributions, including datasets, software, presentations, media engagement, educational materials, community leadership and other scholarly activities that often fall outside conventional research evaluation systems. The approach leverages decentralised web technologies to enable researchers to claim and catalogue their contributions in a transparent and portable way, supporting emerging international efforts around responsible research assessment and recognition.

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The initiative may be of interest to members of the Research Data Alliance community working in areas such as research assessment, persistent identifiers, scholarly communication, metadata, FAIR practices, digital infrastructure, and open science. It also aligns with ongoing international conversations around recognising a broader spectrum of research contributions, as reflected in initiatives such as DORA and COARA. Community members with an interest in research assessment, scholarly communication, metadata standards and research infrastructure may find this work a valuable contribution to ongoing discussions around recognising and documenting the diverse outputs that underpin modern research.