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Research Impact Metrics

Provides an overview of Research Impact Metrics

Using this guide

This guide is designed to help you understand and find your own research metrics, and generate metrics reports from available tools. 

This guide presents the tools that are available to measure the quantitative and qualitative impact of researchers and research. Quantitative measures include citation-based metrics like h-index, citation counts, field-weighted citation impact, etc., and alternative metrics to track influence in non-academic fields like mentions from social media and government policies. Research impact can also be demonstrated qualitatively in terms of social and cultural applications and measures of esteem.

We endorse the responsible use of these measures as one of a range of indicators of research quality. Researcher and research metrics can be used to support: 

  • Applications for grant funding
  • Applications for promotion
  • Your research profile
  • Department and Faculty reviews and National Assessment exercises

 

 

Printable version 

Citation-based metrics are widely used as quantitative measurements to track the impact of research outputs. However there are considerations that need to be taken into account:

  • High citation counts do not necessarily indicate high-quality research. Articles can be frequently cited for negative reasons, such as being controversial or flawed.
  • Databases collect data from different sources and calculate their metrics differently.
  • A journal you've published in might not be indexed by the main citation analysis tools: Web of Science, Scopus or Google Scholar.
  • Recent research articles may not yet have been cited by others.
  • Highly cited articles don't always mean excellent research, esteem must also be taken into account.
  • Research measures across disciplines may differ.

Using these metrics responsibly involves understanding and applying their limitations in a balanced and contextual manner. Here are some key guidelines:

  • Use Multiple Metrics: Rely on a combination of metrics rather than a single one to reduce bias and provide a more comprehensive view of research impact.
  • Contextualize the Data: Always interpret metrics within the context of the research field, publication year, and other relevant factors. 
  • Avoid Journal-Based Metrics for Individual Assessment: Use output-level metrics (like citation counts for individual papers) rather than journal-level metrics (like impact factors) to assess research quality.
  • Combine Quantitative and Qualitative Assessments: Metrics should complement, not replace, expert opinion and qualitative evaluations. 
  • Be Transparent: Clearly state the metrics used and their limitations when presenting your analysis.

Contact your Faculty or Clinical Librarians for assistance with:

  • Assessing your research impact
  • Using and comparing results from databases such as Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar
  • Identifying highly ranked journals in your field
  • Advice on strategic publishing
  • Managing your author profiles.

The library runs research workshops on strategic publishing, profile management, and using metrics tools, including SciVal, InCites, Altmetrics Explorer, etc. Registration is via myRDC.