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The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC): Recent experiences with quantitative science policy studies

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Abstract

NERC is exploring methods by which its management of research and science audit might be improved. Quantitative output indicators have been used to provide information for science audit at the levels of individuals and laboratories. Scientists in eleven laboratories described their research activities over five years and provided output indicators, including publications in the refereed and general literature. Citation counts and influence profiles were then prepared. The paper describes some comparisons between laboratories in similar areas of science made by relating these outputs to inputs (staff and money). The productivity distribution in terms of publications and citations of the individuals within a laboratory community is also derived.

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References

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Mcginnety, J.A. The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC): Recent experiences with quantitative science policy studies. Scientometrics 14, 283–293 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02020080

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