Title:

Science of science, scientometrics, and research policy: The need for quantitative modeling

Speaker:

Ludo Waltman is the Deputy Director at the Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS), Leiden University, Professor of Quantitative Science Studies, and the Editor-in-Chief of Quantitative Science Studies.

Talk Abstract:

Science of science and scientometrics offer important tools to inform research policy. At the same time, science of science and scientometrics could have a harmful effect on research policy if empirical data are misinterpreted and incorrect conclusions are drawn. I will argue that such mistakes occur too often and that there is a need for more formal quantitative modeling to prevent such mistakes. I will present a few case studies to illustrate this point. These case studies deal with the use of bibliometric indicators (journal impact factors) in research assessments and with the evaluation of peer review procedures for grant allocation. I will show how mistakes in the interpretation of empirical data can be avoided through formal quantitative modeling of the mechanisms underlying the data.

Speaker Bio:

Ludo Waltman is professor of Quantitative Science Studies and deputy director at the Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) at Leiden University. Ludo leads the Quantitative Science Studies (QSS) research group at CWTS. The QSS group does research in the fields of bibliometrics and scientometrics, with a special emphasis on applications in research management and science policy. Together with his colleague Nees Jan van Eck, Ludo has developed two software tools for the analysis and visualization of bibliometric networks: VOSviewer and CitNetExplorer. Ludo is coordinator of the CWTS Leiden Ranking, a bibliometric ranking of major universities worldwide. In addition, Ludo serves as Editor-in-Chief of Quantitative Science Studies.

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