[Research barometer: how is research activity monitored and how is it compared?].
Recent analyses place Danish health science with the highest scientific impact per investment and the greatest share of most-cited papers globally. Several fields have international top score impact implying that they achieve more frequent citing than the average (Matthew effect). This appears paradoxical in view of the drastic reductions in Danish research budgets through the last 20 years--and the concomitant switch from long-term government grants to short-term external/private funding implying that continuity is replaced by demands for prompt results. Danish health research has thus proved remarkably robust under the steady downward tendency, but it is doubtful how far it will withstand current policy without irreversible damage. The methodologies applied in assessment of the excellence of research become increasingly sophisticated. They are still not completely reliable. At present they are primarily retrospective. It is imperative that future instruments monitor the actual research position.
Djurhuus
Jens Chr
JC
Institut for Eksperimentel Klinisk Forskning, Skejby Sygehus, Arhus Universitetshospital, Aarhus Universitet, DK-8200 Arhus N.
D015706:Bibliometrics; D003718:Denmark; D006801:Humans; D017712:Peer Review, Research / Q000379:methods; D012106:Research / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D012109:Research Support as Topic / Q000191:economics