Research metrics
Research metrics
Research metrics are quantitative indicators that help explore the visibility, influence, and engagement of research outputs.
Bibliometrics focus primarily on citations and patterns of use within scholarly literature, while alternative metrics capture wider attention across news media, policy documents, grey literature, patents, and social media. Together, these indicators can provide useful insights into how research is shared, discussed, and applied.
However, metrics have important limitations: used without context or expert judgement, they can oversimplify research and overlook diverse contributions that cannot be fully captured by numbers alone.
Responsible use of metrics
Research metrics must be used responsibly and in line with internationally recognised principles, including those set out in the Leiden Manifesto, DORA and The Metric Tide. Key principles include:
- Robustness – using reliable, accurate, and appropriate data sources.
- Humility – recognising that metrics should support, not replace, expert judgement.
- Transparency – ensuring that methods and data used in evaluation are open and verifiable.
- Diversity – recognising differences across disciplines and using a range of indicators that reflect varied research outputs and career paths.
- Reflexivity – understanding the potential effects of metrics and reviewing their use as research practices evolve.
UiT The Arctic University of Norway demonstrates its long-standing commitment to fair, transparent, and responsible research evaluation through its endorsement of DORA (2016), the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (ARRA/CoARA, 2022), and the Barcelona Declaration on Open Research Information (2025).
Learn more about
Useful links
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Metrics Toolkit: explore different research metrics and learn what they measure, as well as their limitations
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DORA: Guidance on the responsible use of quantitative indicators in research assessment
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Web of Science profile metrics: find out more about the metrics displayed in your Web of Science Researcher Profile
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Scopus metrics: explore the metrics available in Scopus and learn how they are calculated and use
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Google Scholar Profile metrics: find out more about the metrics displayed in your Google Scholar profile
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Make your research visible: practical guidance on making your research more discoverable and accessible
Questions?
The bibliometrics group at UiT offers guidance and support on how to correctly use publication metrics in research assessment. Get in touch with us if you have questions about publication data, need assistance with your own bibliometric analysis, or would like advice on managing researcher profiles and improving the visibility of your research.
Contact: forskning@ub.uit.no
Sist endret: 22.09.2026