DORA Declaration ·

UniDistance Suisse proudly endorses the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), a global initiative dedicated to improving research assessment practices, reaffirming our commitment to responsible, fair, and inclusive evaluation of scholarly research.

UniDistance Suisse commitment to research assessment best practices

As Switzerland’s leading institution for distance university education, UniDistance Suisse offers flexible, high-quality academic programmes that are compatible with professional and personal commitments. Our unique educational mission is rooted in accessibility, lifelong learning, and academic excellence. Research and teaching are deeply interconnected, and our Strategy 2027 outlines a clear ambition to strengthen our research profile, increase international visibility, and promote scientific careers.

Our commitment to research excellence spans multiple disciplines and is deeply embedded within our flexible, digital learning environment. We recognise that traditional metrics such as journal impact factors do not fully reflect the breadth, quality, or societal relevance of research contributions, particularly within interdisciplinary and online contexts.

Our commitments in line with DORA principles

Evaluating research based on its intrinsic merit
We assess the quality and relevant of research based on its intrinsic merit rather than relying on journal-based metrics such as impact factors, irrespective of the publication venue.
Recognising a broad spectrum of research outputs
We recognise a diversity of research outputs such as datasets, software, open educational resources, and policy contributions, including those relevant to digital and distance learning.
Promoting fair and transparent evaluation practices
We apply transparent and equitable procedures in recruitment, promotion, and funding decisions, with practices that reflect the diversity of disciplines and career paths within our institution.
Supporting researchers across all career stages and disciplines
We support all our researchers throughout their careers and value their contributions to teaching, community engagement, and innovation in online education.
Embedding DORA principles into our institutional policies
We embed the DORA principles in our policies, ensuring that our research culture reflects the values of equity, openness, and academic integrity.

DORA implementation at UniDistance Suisse

This endorsement is a natural extension of our strategic goals and reflects the broader mission of UniDistance Suisse to advance accessible, excellent education and research. UniDistance Suisse is committed to building a research culture that values quality, openness, and societal relevance, and to contributing meaningfully to the global academic community.

As part of its ongoing development, UniDistance Suisse aims at being at the forefront of best practices, in particular regarding research assessment. Correspondingly, guidelines are currently being developed to ensure the application of the DORA declaration principles within evaluation committees on hiring, nomination, and promotion of researchers.

The implementation of DORA at UniDistance Suisse is being administered by the Vice-Rector for research’s office. Questions can be directed to vicerector.research@unidistance.ch.
To learn more about DORA and read the declaration, visit sfdora.org .