Analysing and benchmarking research performance with SciVal (9 May 2023)

The ability to demonstrate the value and relevance of research is important as it helps to inform funding decisions, guide research strategies and foster collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers. Research impact can be evaluated at various entity levels. This could include the researcher, school and institution levels. SciVal, amongst an increasing number of tools that support the investigation of such metrics, uses Scopus as a data source to analyse and benchmark research performance.

Mr Alexander van Servellen, a senior consultant from Research Intelligence at Elsevier, was invited to conduct a SciVal workshop for both faculty and staff from NTU and NIE on 9 May 2023. He was welcomed and introduced by Prof Theng Yin Leng, Associate Provost (Faculty Affairs) and Ms Caroline Pang, the University Librarian.

A strong showing of around 70 participants from across schools and departments (i.e., College of Engineering, College of Science, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Temasek Lab, Library, etc.) took part in the workshop. Many who attended were interested in creating customised research performance reports using SciVal’s analytics tools to view and compare metrics to benchmark, analyse research trends and demonstrate research impact.

The workshop was divided into two parts (link to his presentation slides). The first part focused mainly on SciVal’s research analytics tools to empower institutions to make more informed decisions in their research strategies.

What stood out in the first half of the workshop was the speaker’s emphasis on how research analytics should not be used merely as cold hard facts.  Instead, he encouraged the audience to use the data and “combine it with our qualitative human understanding to help us tell a meaningful and actionable story.”  The friendly exchange between the speaker and Professor Michael Khor (Director of TRACS) also added to a lively and relaxed atmosphere at the workshop.

To further facilitate the workshop, questions were posted on the platform Slido. Engagement with the audience was also encouraged in the hands-on exercise where the audience was given a few scenarios to make this part of the workshop relatable and meaningful in their application of SciVal tools. The speaker and librarians were on hand to respond to any enquiries during this segment of the workshop.

At the end of the workshop, Prof Michael Khor expressed his appreciation to them to Mr Alexander van Servellen, the workshop organisers (NTU and NIE Libraries, TRACS and Associate Provost (Faculty Affairs) Office), and the participants. He invited NTU members to collaborate with TRACS to maximise the benefits of using bibliometrics tools such as SciVal. Participants were invited to give feedback on the SciVal workshop.  Many responded positively to it as they found the content relevant and helpful in their work.