NRF ratings and h-index for engineers: Are we missing the point?

Polanyi showed how scientific progress relies on a system of 'mutual control', or simply the means by which 'scientists keep watch over each other' to prevent resources being grossly wasted. In our present context, two ways in which this 'mutual control' is exercised is...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inSouth African Journal of Science Vol. 118; no. 1/2; pp. 1 - 3
Main Authors MacRobert, Charles J, Stergianos, Theo J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Pretoria Academy of Science of South Africa 01.01.2022
Subjects
Bibliometrics
Biologists
Biology
Engineering research
Engineers
Grey literature
Hirsch’s h-index
Medical research
NRF rating
Ratings
Ratings & rankings
research administration
Researchers
Reviews
Scientists
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Summary:Polanyi showed how scientific progress relies on a system of 'mutual control', or simply the means by which 'scientists keep watch over each other' to prevent resources being grossly wasted. In our present context, two ways in which this 'mutual control' is exercised is through peer-reviewed ratings from the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) and Hirsch's bibliometric h-index. Application for an NRF rating requires individuals to prepare portfolios. These portfolios are peer reviewed and individuals are given an A-rating (leading international researchers), B-rating (internationally acclaimed researchers) or C-rating (established researchers). The subsidiary ratings for young researchers are not considered here. Despite differences, it is unsurprising that a relationship exists between the two metrics. Johnson4 compared 614 NRF-rated biological scientists to their respective h-indices in 2020 and found fairly distinct ranges of h-index associated with each NRF rating. Engineers strive to be pragmatic and propose solutions to all problems. In our view, research-active engineers should be able to demonstrate a close relationship with practising engineers.
ISSN:0038-2353
1996-7489
DOI:10.17159/sajs.2022/12260