4. Evidence

The RG presents and explains the factual evidence. Where appropriate, the RG can use quantitative indicators. It introduces and explains the selected indicators for products, uses and recognition marks for both quality domains (research quality and relevance to society). The choice of indicators depends on the aims and strategy of the RG and common practice in particular disciplines. If the RG decides not to use a standard indicator, it should provide a good argumentation. The RG should consider that the Journal Impact Factor cannot be used as a surrogate measure of the quality of research. Also, individual bibliometric indicators, such as the h-index, cannot be used as qualitative indicators of research quality. We include a list of potential indicators for the self-evaluation report to facilitate this task (see Appendix B). Finally, some tables may be included in all self-evaluation reports (or their appendices), with quantitative information, for instance, on funding. The exact shape of these tables may vary as long as they present the data clearly and orderly. Again, sample tables are provided in Appendix B, though changes are possible according to the criteria of the RG.