Elements of scientific excellence assessment

The dynamics of the international and national research excellence assessment, especially in the last twenty years, is characterized by “tidal waves” in which quantitative and qualitative criteria alternate at the “tops”. Analyzing experiences from that relatively long period, the paper argues for a rational and gradual improving of the balance between quantitative and qualitative criteria by passing through the three “levels” of forming a comprehensive evaluation of scientific excellence. In this sense, it is advocating the use of IF as the first necessary “level” that needs to be passed, in order to be able to reach the second “level”. This second “level” consists of a qualitative excellence assessment, including the assessment of individual contributions. These are the perquisites of a complete expert review (peer review) assessment at the final third “level” determining research excellence. In this sense, the paper offers an integrated model of a balanced quantitative and qualitative criteria combination, not only for an integral assessment, but also for encouraging scientific excellence.