Reform of research metrics in Taiwan: an open debate

Recent statements by Minister Cheng-wen Wu, head of Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), have sparked a wide discussion regarding the evaluation criteria for scientific research on the island. The focus of the debate concerns the adequacy of the metrics currently used to measure the impact and quality of research.

The academic community is questioning the advisability of adopting new approaches that take into account the complexity and diversity of research activities. An effective evaluation system should ideally incentivize innovation and reward merit, without penalizing long-term research projects or those with less immediate results. The discussion is open and involves various players in the Taiwanese scientific landscape.