Regarding the Signing of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies is the first institution in Latvia which sign the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) on January 21, 2025.

DORA offers guidance on how research should be evaluated. First introduced at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Society for Cell Biology, it has since become a global initiative. DORA states that, "the scientific content of a paper is much more important than publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which it was published”. It advocates against using journal-based quantitative indicators, such as Journal Impact Factors, as surrogate measures of the quality of individual research articles in decisions regarding hiring, tenure, promotion, or funding. DORA further emphasizes that the value and impact of all research outputs, not just publications, should be considered when assessing research, and recommends incorporating a broad spectrum of impact metrics, including qualitative indicators.

Being a member of Research Latvia communication platform Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies is in full agreement with the philosophy promoted by DORA and want to endorse the philosophy and values in our organization. The university is prioritizing diverse, transparent and quality research as foundation for sustainable research culture development and contribution to the international research body.

We believe that principles mentioned in DORA declaration is basis to fulfil our universities mission "Creation of an internationally competitive, innovative, creative and sustainable future for the development of society."

University endeavour to uphold the principles of DORA across all University activities.