Introduction
The rapid expansion of quantitative research metrics has fundamentally reshaped how scholarly output is evaluated, compared, and rewarded. While metrics can enhance transparency and scalability, their uncritical or opaque application has also contributed to distortions in research behavior, inequities across disciplines and regions, and the misuse of indicators beyond their intended scope.
Veritas Index was established in response to these challenges. This editorial sets out the official principles and governance framework that guide how the platform designs, applies, and communicates research evaluation metrics. It serves as a foundational reference for all methodological decisions, indicator updates, and policy positions published by the platform.
1. Purpose of Research Evaluation at Veritas Index
Veritas Index approaches research evaluation as a decision-support process, not as a mechanism for ranking or judgment in isolation. Indicators are designed to inform institutions, researchers, and policymakers while preserving contextual interpretation and methodological transparency.
The platform does not promote single-score absolutism. Instead, it emphasizes multidimensional assessment, recognizing disciplinary diversity, career stage variation, and regional research ecosystems.
2. Commitment to Transparency and Explainability
All indicators within Veritas Index are governed by a transparency-first principle. This includes:
Public documentation of indicator definitions and scoring logic
Clear disclosure of data sources and coverage limitations
Versioned updates with accessible change logs
Explicit differentiation between observed data and inferred or imputed values
No score is presented without an accompanying methodological explanation. Users are encouraged to interpret results alongside documented assumptions and known constraints.
3. Responsible Use of Metrics
Veritas Index aligns with international best practices advocating the responsible use of research metrics. Indicators are designed to minimize incentives for gaming, reduce overreliance on citation-based measures, and avoid penalizing legitimate disciplinary or regional research practices.
The platform explicitly discourages the use of its indicators as standalone tools for hiring, promotion, or funding decisions without complementary qualitative review.
4. Editorial Independence and Governance
All editorial content published under the Editorial section reflects institutional positions reviewed through a defined governance process. This process includes:
Drafting by the Editorial Board or delegated subject editors
Internal review for methodological consistency, ethical alignment, and clarity
Publication with version control and correction mechanisms
Editorial updates are logged, and substantive revisions are transparently documented.
5. Data Integrity and Source Accountability
Veritas Index relies on a combination of open scholarly infrastructure and verified third-party data sources. The platform does not alter primary source records. Where data gaps exist, they are explicitly acknowledged, and mitigation strategies are disclosed.
Data inclusion does not imply endorsement of external platforms or publishers, and coverage does not guarantee completeness.
6. Ongoing Review and Community Engagement
This editorial framework is not static. It is subject to periodic review in response to methodological advances, community feedback, and evolving standards in research assessment.
Veritas Index welcomes structured dialogue with institutions, researchers, and policymakers to refine its indicators while safeguarding independence and methodological rigor.
Conclusion
This editorial establishes the foundation upon which all Veritas Index indicators, policies, and updates are built. By prioritizing transparency, responsibility, and contextual integrity, the platform seeks to contribute to a more trustworthy and meaningful research evaluation ecosystem.
Future editorials will elaborate on specific methodologies, indicator updates, and data policies in alignment with the principles set out here.