Attention for science in step with policy? The case of school closures during COVID-19

The closing and opening of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic caused much debate. How was scientific evidence used in the ensuing public discussion? Our authors searched for evidence in the news and on Twitter and looked at three countries in particular: the Netherlands, Spain, and South Africa.

Jonathan Dudek, François van Schalkwyk, Rodrigo Costas, Daniel Torres-Salinas, Nicolás Robinson-García and Tina Nane • February 25, 2021

The X factor of eXcellent scientists in the Netherlands: relationships between motivation, utilisation and impact

Can excellent science be connected with successful research commercialisation? Top scientists winning prestigious Spinoza and Stevin prizes share some insights. Their ‘X factor’ achievements suggest that institutionalised research commercialisation can benefit from more personalised pathways.

Peter van Dongen and Robert Tijssen • February 19, 2021

Research evaluation in context 2: One joint protocol, three criteria and four aspects

This is the 2nd in a series of blog posts on research evaluation in the Netherlands. This post is dedicated to the Strategy Evaluation Protocol 2021-2027, the evaluation goals and the criteria and aspects that need to be addressed in an evaluation.

Leonie van Drooge • February 17, 2021

Research evaluation in context 1: Introducing research evaluation in the Netherlands

How is research being evaluated in the Netherlands? Why in that way? Why would the Dutch want to evaluate research anyway when it is done like that? What is an evaluation really about? No, but really? And how do you compare between….? You don’t? And consequences? Not??

Leonie van Drooge • February 16, 2021

A glimpse into the projects at CWTS

In my last days as a project coordinator at CWTS, I'm reflecting on the so-called institute projects we all do at CWTS. In this blog post I would like to share with you my experience as a project coordinator, but first and foremost give you an impression of the variety of projects we do.

Josephine Bergmans • January 15, 2021

Skill gaps of PhD graduates

Based on our research, we discuss which gaps exist between the skills PhD graduates developed during their PhD and the skills that are required and valued in their current job. Which relevant skills do graduates bring to future jobs and which skills were underdeveloped during their PhD trajectory?

Cathelijn Waaijer, Julia Heuritsch and Inge van der Weijden • January 08, 2021

The changing logics of scientific publishing

The subscription model is taken over by the open-access model in scientific publishing industry, which may favor quantity over quality. While we should be aware of predatory practices by any journal, labeling journals as predatory may reinforce established hierarchies in the scientific community.

Koen Frenken • January 04, 2021 • 2 comments

2020's last blog post... and a Christmas surprise!

It's holiday time for Leiden Madtrics as well. We wish you all restful days off and are looking forward to seeing you again in the new year. In the meantime, have fun reading this blog post written by Ed Noyons about a very unique Christmas surprise taking place in the city of Utrecht.

Ed Noyons • December 24, 2020

Q&A about Elsevier's decision to open its citations

Last week Elsevier announced that it has signed the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and that it is going to make the reference lists of articles openly available in Crossref. In this Q&A, Ludo Waltman shares his perspective on Elsevier’s decision to open its citations.

Ludo Waltman • December 22, 2020 • 1 comment