Implementing Narrative CVs: Five recommendations for Funders

Narrative CVs offer a complementary approach to traditional researcher biographies, focusing on the broader context of a researcher’s skills, trajectories, and achievements. They have the potential to diversify the scientific workforce, challenge narrow academic values, and promote research that is more connected to society’s needs.

We’re delighted to share a new report outlining five key recommendations to help funders implement Narrative CVs, based on findings from RoRI’s NARRATIVES project – a collaboration between RoRI, and RoRI partners the Volkswagen Foundation (VW), Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Dutch Research Council (NWO).

This RoRI Insights report outlines five key recommendations to help funders create a supportive environment for the effective implementation of Narrative CVs.

Read here

Traditional research evaluation practices, often reliant on metrics like the number of publications, awards, and journal prestige, impose a limited and often biased standard of academic excellence. These practices tend to favour researchers with conventional career paths and can disadvantage those with caring duties or other commitments. In response to this, many funders have started to experiment with Narrative CV formats to provide a more holistic view of a researcher’s contributions.

Our report outlines five key recommendations to help funders create a supportive environment for the successful implementation of Narrative CVs:

1. Pick the Right Chair and Brief Them
   Ensure the right individuals lead the evaluation process and provide them with a clear understanding of how to assess Narrative CVs effectively.
2. Offer Live Instructions to All Stakeholders
   Provide live training or resources to panellists and reviewers involved in assessing Narrative CVs, ensuring clarity and consistency.
3. Align Programme Evaluation Criteria with Narrative CV Objectives
   Review and update evaluation criteria to match the goals of using Narrative CVs, ensuring they complement the holistic evaluation process.
4. Seek Dialogue About Resistance
   Engage in open discussions about any resistance to Narrative CVs, addressing concerns and promoting understanding of their value.
5. Diversify Review Panels
   Ensure review panels are diverse in terms of background, experience, and perspective, fostering fairer and more comprehensive evaluations.

Read the full report below.

Read here