Bibliometrics | Research | Imperial College London

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href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/orcid/">Create an ORCID iD</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/research-data-management/training-and-resources/">Training and resources</a> <ul class="multilevel-linkul-1"> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/research-data-management/training-and-resources/imperial-guidance/">Imperial RDM training</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/research-data-management/training-and-resources/how-to-videos/">How to videos</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/research-data-management/training-and-resources/glossary/">Glossary</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/research-data-management/faq/">Frequently asked questions</a></li> <li><a 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href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/post-2021-ref/">REF 2029 open access policy</a> <ul class="multilevel-linkul-1"> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/faq/">Frequently asked questions</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/spiral/">Depositing in Spiral</a> <ul class="multilevel-linkul-1"> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/spiral/deposit-on-acceptance/">Deposit on acceptance</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/spiral/deposit-after-publication/">Deposit after publication</a> <ul class="multilevel-linkul-2"> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/spiral/deposit-after-publication/deposit-a-paper-from-europe-pubmed-central/">Deposit a paper from Europe PubMed Central</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/spiral/permissions/">Permission to deposit</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/spiral/versions/">Publication versions</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/spiral/licences-and-policies/">Licences and policies</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/faq/">Frequently asked questions</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/depositing-in-pubmed-central/">Depositing in PubMed Central and Europe PMC</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/applying-for-funding/">Applying for funding</a> <ul class="multilevel-linkul-1"> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/applying-for-funding/what-happens-to-my-application/">What happens to my application?</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/applying-for-funding/publisher-memberships/" target="_self">Publisher agreements and discounts</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/theses/">Preparing your thesis </a> <ul class="multilevel-linkul-1"> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/theses/reproducing-published-works/">Reproducing published extracts, images, figures, etc</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/theses/reproducing-your-own-published-work/">Reproducing your own published work</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/theses/requesting-an-embargo/">Requesting an embargo</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/theses/creating-your-pdfa/">Creating your PDF/A</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/theses/selecting-a-creative-commons-licence/">Selecting a Creative Commons licence</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/theses/publishing-material-from-your-thesis/">Publishing material from your thesis</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/theses/advice-for-supervisors/">Advice for supervisors</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/theses/masters-dissertations/">Master's dissertations</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/faq/">Frequently asked questions</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/theses/ukri-funded-students/">UKRI funded students</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/faq/">Frequently asked questions</a> <ul class="multilevel-linkul-1"> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/faq/ref-2021-open-access-policy/">REF 2029 open access policy</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/faq/what-is-open-access/">What is open access?</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/faq/depositing-your-work-in-spiral/">Depositing your work in Spiral</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/faq/using-symplectic/">Using Symplectic</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/faq/imperial-profiles/">Imperial Profiles</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/faq/applying-for-oa-fees-article-processing-charges/">Applying for OA fees (article processing charges)</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/faq/preparing-your-phd-thesis-for-submission-to-spiral/">Preparing your research degree thesis for submission to Spiral</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/glossary/">Glossary of open access terms</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/symplectic-spiral-relationship/">What is the relationship between Symplectic and Spiral</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/book-a-one-to-one-or-training-session/">Book a one to one or training session</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/our-team/">Our team</a></li> </ul> </li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/publishing-with-spiral/">Publishing with Spiral</a> <ul class="multilevel-linkul-0"> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/publishing-with-spiral/intro-to-spiral/">Introduction to Spiral</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/publishing-with-spiral/how-to-prepare-your-report/">How to prepare your report</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/publishing-with-spiral/get-a-doi/">Receiving a DOI for your report</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/publishing-with-spiral/discovering-impact/">Discovering impact</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/spiral/deposit-after-publication/">Depositing a published paper in Spiral</a></li> </ul> </li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/symplectic/">Symplectic</a> <ul class="multilevel-linkul-0"> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/open-access/spiral/">Add outputs to Symplectic and Spiral</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/symplectic/link-research-outputs-to-other-entities/">Link research outputs to other entities</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/symplectic/update-your-pwp/">Update your PWP</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/symplectic/add-publications-to-researchfish/">Add publications to Researchfish</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/symplectic/user-guides-and-faculty-contacts/">User guides and faculty contacts</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/symplectic/frequently-asked-questions/">Frequently asked questions</a></li> </ul> </li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/orcid/">ORCID</a> <ul class="multilevel-linkul-0"> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/orcid/symplectic-to-orcid-for-all-users/">Synchronising Symplectic to ORCID: all users</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/orcid/symplectic-to-orcid-for-affected-users/">Synchronising Symplectic to ORCID: affected users</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/orcid/symplectic-and-orcid-permissions/">Setting Symplectic and ORCID permissions</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/orcid/maximise-your-visibility-with-orcid/">Maximise your visibility with ORCID</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/orcid/faq/">ORCID frequently asked questions</a></li> </ul> </li><li><span class="currentbranch0"><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/">Bibliometrics</a></span> <ul class="multilevel-linkul-0"> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/basics-of-metrics/">Basics of metrics</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/responsible-use-of-metrics/">Responsible use of metrics</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/available-bibliometrics-tools/">Available bibliometrics tools</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/initiatives-and-resources-on-responsible-metrics/">Initiatives and resources on responsible metrics</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/narrative-cvs/">Narrative CVs</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/book-a-one-to-one/">Book a one to one</a></li> </ul> </li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/training-and-events/">Training and events</a></li>  </ul> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </div> </header> <main id="page"> <div class="show-no-js"> <div class="container"> <p class="step-1">In this section</p> <nav class="nav-fallback"> <ul class="nav-fallback__parent"> <li> <a class="lwi" href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/"> Scholarly Communication </a> </li> </ul> <ul class="cluster cluster--pad-m"><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/basics-of-metrics/">Basics of metrics</a></li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/responsible-use-of-metrics/">Responsible use of metrics</a></li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/available-bibliometrics-tools/">Available bibliometrics tools</a></li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/initiatives-and-resources-on-responsible-metrics/">Initiatives and resources on responsible metrics</a></li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/narrative-cvs/">Narrative CVs</a></li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/book-a-one-to-one/">Book a one to one</a></li></ul> </nav> </div> </div> <div class="container content-template" id="content"> <nav class="page-area-heading"> <a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/">Scholarly Communication</a> </nav> <div class="page-heading lg-8 sm-12"> <div class="breadcrumbs"> <ul> <li><a href="/">Imperial Home</a></li> <li><a href="/research-and-innovation/">Research</a></li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/">Support for staff</a></li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/">Scholarly Communication</a></li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/">Bibliometrics</a></li> </ul> </div> <h1>Bibliometrics</h1> </div> <div class="row row--space-between flow-opposite top" id=""> <aside class="col lg-3 md-4 sm-12"> <div class="section-sidebar"> <button class="section-sidebar__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="section-sidebar-content"> <h2 class="section-sidebar__heading">In this section</h2> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" class="icon icon--m"> <use xlink:href="/assets/website/images/svg/icons.svg#chevron-down"></use> </svg> </button> <div class="section-sidebar__content" id="section-sidebar-content"> <ul class="section-sidebar__list flow-2xs"><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/basics-of-metrics/">Basics of metrics</a></li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/responsible-use-of-metrics/">Responsible use of metrics</a></li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/available-bibliometrics-tools/">Available bibliometrics tools</a></li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/initiatives-and-resources-on-responsible-metrics/">Initiatives and resources on responsible metrics</a></li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/narrative-cvs/">Narrative CVs</a></li><li><a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/book-a-one-to-one/">Book a one to one</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </aside> <div class="col lg-8 sm-12" role="main" id="primary-content">  <div class="module flow-m">  <div class="col lg-12 full page-banner"> <picture> <source type="image/webp" srcset=" https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/539x152/filters:format(webp)/prod01/channel_3/media/images/banner-bottom-block-3000X850/banner-bibliometrics-home.jpg 534w, https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/1079x305/filters:format(webp)/prod01/channel_3/media/images/banner-bottom-block-3000X850/banner-bibliometrics-home.jpg 1079w, https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/2158x610/filters:upscale()/filters:format(webp)/prod01/channel_3/media/images/banner-bottom-block-3000X850/banner-bibliometrics-home.jpg 2158w, https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/4316x1220/filters:upscale()/filters:format(webp)/prod01/channel_3/media/images/banner-bottom-block-3000X850/banner-bibliometrics-home.jpg 4316w" sizes=" (min-width: 1520px) 1079px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(75vw - 82px), (min-width: 930px) calc(75vw - 50px), 100vw" > <source type="image/jpeg" srcset=" https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/539x152/prod01/channel_3/media/images/banner-bottom-block-3000X850/banner-bibliometrics-home.jpg 534w, https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/1079x305/prod01/channel_3/media/images/banner-bottom-block-3000X850/banner-bibliometrics-home.jpg 1079w, https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/2158x610/filters:upscale()/prod01/channel_3/media/images/banner-bottom-block-3000X850/banner-bibliometrics-home.jpg 2158w, https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/4316x1220/filters:upscale()/prod01/channel_3/media/images/banner-bottom-block-3000X850/banner-bibliometrics-home.jpg 4316w" > <img src="https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/1079x305/prod01/channel_3/media/images/banner-bottom-block-3000X850/banner-bibliometrics-home.jpg" alt="A close up of a white tape measure being extended against a bright orange background" width="2453" height="850" class="full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"> </picture> <div class="intro-text primary"> <p><span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW75344392 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW75344392 BCX0">Bibliometrics </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW75344392 BCX0">is a term used </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW75344392 BCX0">for the quantitative study of publications and can be applied to any type of research output, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW75344392 BCX0">author</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW75344392 BCX0"> or institution. Bibliometrics should support </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW75344392 BCX0">peer review but never supplant </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW75344392 BCX0">it and should be used responsibly.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW75344392 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"> </span></p> </div> </div>  <div class="row wysiwyg"> <h3><span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US" class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW46287120 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46287120 BCX0">Purpose</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46287120 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"> </span></h3> <p><span class="EOP SCXW46287120 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"><span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0">Bibliometric</span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0"> indicators </span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0">(metrics associat</span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0">e</span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0">d</span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0"> with publications) </span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0">are</span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0">used </span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0">for</span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0"> purposes</span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0"> such as</span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0"> research assessment</span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0">, measuring impact</span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0">and</span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW111112199 BCX0"> institutional rankings.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">They</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">may affect </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">important decisions </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">like</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"> hiring, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">promotion</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"> or resource allocation.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">But they can be </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">misused. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">Therefore, i</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">t is crucial to understand</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">different </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">types</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"> of </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">bibliometric in</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">dicators</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"> and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">heir</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"> limitations</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"> to </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">better </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">promote </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">fair, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">transparent</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"> and robust research evaluation processes. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">This </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">will help</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"> the</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"> Imperial research community </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">to </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0">uphold</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"> </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW111112199 BCX0" href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/about/values/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span data-contrast="none" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US" class="TextRun Underlined SCXW111112199 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Imperial’s five core values</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"> of</span></span><span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US" class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW111112199 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW111112199 BCX0"> </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW111112199 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"> </span></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>integrity</strong> (implementing transparent and responsible use of metrics to ensure research integrity),</li> <li><strong>collaboration</strong> (fostering an inclusive research culture for everyone), </li> <li><strong>respect</strong> (respecting diverse research contributions),</li> <li><strong>innovation</strong> (drawing appropriate insights from research evaluations to set the right direction),</li> <li><strong>excellence</strong> (improving the overall quality of open research practices to create an excellent research culture). </li> </ul> <p>Understanding bibliometrics and its appropriate use also helps you align with the principles of initiatives like the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). By adopting responsible use of metrics beyond the journal impact factor and h-index, you will start to foster a positive research culture that recognises your efforts to embed transparency, equity, accessibility and reliability into your research rather than a reliance on the volume of journal articles. </p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">These webpages equip you with the confidence and know-how to use metrics responsibly. They explain what the field of bibliometrics is, the types of metrics and indicators, and the tools available at Imperial to help you understand the visibility, reach and impact of your publications beyond inappropriate measures like journal-based numbers.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">For more information, contact bibliometrics@imperial.ac.uk.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"> </span></p> <h3><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"><span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US" class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW130270503 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130270503 BCX0">What is bibliometrics?</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW130270503 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"> </span></span></h3> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Bibliometrics is the quantitative study of research outputs and can be applied to any type of research publication, author, or institution. The terms ‘bibliometrics’, ‘quantitative data’, ‘indicators’, or ‘metrics’ are usually used interchangeably for the context. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Traditionally, it refers to the number of citations for a research output. However, thanks to emerging technology in data collection, other quantitative data can be measured such as number of downloads, page views, social media or policy document mentions which are also known as alternative metrics or altmetrics (not to be confused with Altmetric). </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Bibliometrics is traditionally used to measure research performance or demonstrate impact. In different contexts, the metrics are sometimes used alongside expert peer review to assess publications. It is also useful to understand publication, citation, and collaboration trends in academia.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"> </span></p> <h3><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"><span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US" class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW6011389 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW6011389 BCX0">Responsible use of metrics</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW6011389 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"> </span></span></h3> <p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"><span class="EOP SCXW6011389 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"><span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0">Metrics are </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0">increasingly</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0"> used in academia, and they are</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0"> important in </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0">some</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0"> cases. However, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0">inappropriate use</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0">may</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0"> result in</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0"> unintended consequences</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0">that would degrade</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0"> trust in scholarship</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0">. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0">All metrics</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0"> have limitations and biases. Therefore, they should always be used responsibly</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0"> by all parts of the research infrastructure</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81681950 BCX0"> and complement not supplant expert reviews in assessing research. </span></span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="flexible "> <div class="heading sr-only"> <h2 class="title">Find out more about responsible metrics</h2> </div> <div class="row equal-height-columns"> <div class="flexible__item"> <a class="card flow-xs equal-height" href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/responsible-use-of-metrics/"> <div class="card__image"> <img src="https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/720x9999999/prod01/channel_3/media/images/landscape-3000X2000/mark-wilkinson-hughes-rd_wY8nYofk-unsplash.jpg" srcset=" https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/362x307/prod01/channel_3/media/images/landscape-3000X2000/mark-wilkinson-hughes-rd_wY8nYofk-unsplash.jpg 360w, https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/720x9999999/prod01/channel_3/media/images/landscape-3000X2000/mark-wilkinson-hughes-rd_wY8nYofk-unsplash.jpg 720w, https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/1440x9999999/prod01/channel_3/media/images/landscape-3000X2000/mark-wilkinson-hughes-rd_wY8nYofk-unsplash.jpg 1440w, https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/2880x9999999/prod01/channel_3/media/images/landscape-3000X2000/mark-wilkinson-hughes-rd_wY8nYofk-unsplash.jpg 2880w" sizes="(min-width: 1520px) 483px, (min-width: 1026px) calc((75vw - 156px) / 2), (min-width: 930px) calc((75vw - 116px) / 2), (min-width: 769px) calc((100vw - 66px) / 2), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 50px), calc(100vw - 34px)" alt="A close up shot of a table meaure being extended, here featured in black and white photography" loading="lazy" width="5755" height="3003"> <h3 class="step-1">Find out more about responsible metrics</h3> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div>  <div class="row wysiwyg"> <h3><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"><span class="EOP SCXW6011389 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"><span class="EOP SCXW81681950 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"><span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US" class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW68192757 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW68192757 BCX0">Imperial’s position</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW68192757 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"> </span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Imperial is committed to ensuring that our procedures for assessing the achievements of all staff are fair, transparent and robust and in 2015 undertook the </span><a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/research-and-innovation/public/research-integrity/AcademicPerformanceMetrics.pdf"><span data-contrast="none">Richardson review (PDF)</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, investigating the use of bibliometrics in staff performance assessment. A formal commitment to not considering journal-based metrics (such as Journal Impact Factor) in recruitment and promotion decisions has been in place since 2017, when Imperial became a signatory of the </span><span data-contrast="none"><a href="https://sfdora.org/institutions/imperial-college-london/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA)</a></span><span data-contrast="auto">. This has implications for the way that bibliometrics are used to evaluate research outputs at Imperial.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">The Richardson review also acknowledges that the concept of responsible metrics must align with the five principles mentioned in ‘</span><a href="https://www.ukri.org/publications/review-of-metrics-in-research-assessment-and-management/"><span data-contrast="none">The Metric Tide: Review of Metrics in Research Assessment</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">’, a report published by Research England (</span><strong><span data-contrast="auto">robustness </span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">–</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">basing metrics on the best possible data, </span><strong><span data-contrast="auto">humility</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> –</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">recognising that quantitative indicators should support not supplant qualitative assessment, </span><strong><span data-contrast="auto">transparency </span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">–</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">keeping data collection and analysis processes transparent, </span><strong><span data-contrast="auto">diversity</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> –</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">reflecting a diversity of research and researcher career paths, and </span><strong><span data-contrast="auto">reflexivity </span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">– recognising the systemic effect of indicators and updating them where possible).</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">These frameworks mean that all decision-making processes requiring assessment of research performance (e.g. recruitment, promotion or allocation of funding) should avoid the use of journal-based metrics, consider the limitations of metrics, and be aligned with DORA and the Metric Tide report’s principles. Promoting and implementing responsible use of metrics will also uphold </span><a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/human-resources/procedures/work-location-framework/overview-and-values/"><span data-contrast="none">Imperial Values</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> of Respect, Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity, and Innovation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":120,"335559739":280,"335559740":279}"> </span></p> <p> </p> </div> <div class="row equal-height-columns"> <h2 class="sr-only">2colourblock - basics of metrics - responsible use of metrics</h2> <div class="col lg-6"> <div class="media-item full secondary reverse equal-height"> <a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/basics-of-metrics/"> <div class="content"> <h3 class="title">Basics of metrics</h3> <p>Learn about the fundamentals of metrics</p> <p> </p> </div> </a> </div> </div> <div class="col lg-6"> <div class="media-item full primary reverse equal-height"> <a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/responsible-use-of-metrics/"> <div class="content"> <h3 class="title">Responsible use of metrics</h3> <p>Discover more about responsible use of metrics</p> <p> </p> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div>   <div class="row equal-height-columns"> <h2 class="sr-only">2colourblock - available bibliometrics tools - initiatives and resources</h2> <div class="col lg-6"> <div class="media-item full secondary reverse equal-height"> <a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/available-bibliometrics-tools/"> <div class="content"> <h3 class="title">Available bibliometrics tools </h3> <p>Find out more about bibliometrics tools</p> <p> </p> </div> </a> </div> </div> <div class="col lg-6"> <div class="media-item full primary reverse equal-height"> <a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/initiatives-and-resources-on-responsible-metrics/"> <div class="content"> <h3 class="title">Initiatives and resources on responsible metrics </h3> <p>Discover information about initatives and resources on responsible metrics</p> <p> </p> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div>   <div class="row equal-height-columns"> <h2 class="sr-only">2colourblock - narrative cvs - one-to-ones</h2> <div class="col lg-6"> <div class="media-item full secondary reverse equal-height"> <a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/narrative-cvs/"> <div class="content"> <h3 class="title">Narrative CVs</h3> <p>Learn more about the role of narrative CVs </p> <p> </p> </div> </a> </div> </div> <div class="col lg-6"> <div class="media-item full primary reverse equal-height"> <a href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/book-a-one-to-one/"> <div class="content"> <h3 class="title">One to one</h3> <p>Book a one to one with a member of the bibliometrics team</p> <p> </p> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div>  <div class="banner banner--inline banner--green"> <div class="banner__caption"> <h2 class="step-8">Find out more:</h2> <p class="step-2">About responsible use of metrics</p> <a class="lwi" href="/research-and-innovation/support-for-staff/scholarly-communication/bibliometrics/responsible-use-of-metrics/"> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" class="icon icon--m"> <use xlink:href="/assets/website/images/svg/icons.svg#arrow-right"></use> </svg> Visit the Responsible use of metrics webpage </a> </div> <img srcset="https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/filters:format(webp)/fit-in/720x9999999/prod01/channel_3/media/images/landscape-3000X2000/mark-wilkinson-hughes-rd_wY8nYofk-unsplash.jpg 720w, https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/1440x9999999/prod01/channel_3/media/images/landscape-3000X2000/mark-wilkinson-hughes-rd_wY8nYofk-unsplash.jpg 1440w" sizes="(min-width: 1520px) 720px, (min-width: 930px) calc(50vw - 48px), 100vw" alt="A close up shot of a table meaure being extended, here featured in black and white photography" src="https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/filters:format(webp)/fit-in/720x9999999/prod01/channel_3/media/images/landscape-3000X2000/mark-wilkinson-hughes-rd_wY8nYofk-unsplash.jpg" width="5755" height="3003" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <section class="supplementary-content row"> <div class="supplementary-content__sizer col"></div> <div class="col lg-12"><div class="module btn-container"><a href="/research-and-innovation/about-imperial-research/research-evaluation/" class="btn"><span>Read more about the College's policies on research evaluation</span><svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" class="icon icon--m"><use 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