International Science Council Survey: What counts as a scientific contribution?
A consultation from the ISC Forum on Publishing and Research Assessment.
About this ISC survey
Much of what researchers and scientists contribute to knowledge and society goes unrecognized by current publishing and assessment systems, which remain heavily centred on peer-reviewed journal articles. Data, software, methods, policy advice, education and training, community engagement, and infrastructure and governance roles all advance science, yet are often invisible in how contributions are counted and rewarded.
This survey, run by the International Science Council (ISC) Forum on Publishing and Research Assessment, asks what kinds of scientific contributions currently go unrecognized, and why. ISC is especially interested in how this lack of recognition varies across disciplines, regions, and career stages. Responses will directly inform an ISC position paper on broadening what counts as a scientific contribution, to be published later in 2026.
Who should respond
This survey is open to the entire research community, worldwide and across all disciplines. This includes people who are no longer active researchers or who have left academia. The ISC wants to hear from you regardless of your career stage, sector, or current role.
Please respond from your own individual perspective. There is no need to consult colleagues or prepare a collective response on behalf of your institution or organization. ISC is looking for a wide range of personal viewpoints, not consolidated organizational positions.
How to take part
The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Not all questions will apply to everyone.
Please answer what is relevant to your experience and skip the rest.
All responses can be provided anonymously.
The survey will remain open until 31 August 2026.
Take the survey
Help the ISC reach further
This consultation is only as strong as the diversity of voices it reaches. ISC strongly encourages you to share the survey within your own organisation, professional networks, and communities, particularly with colleagues in regions, disciplines, and roles that are often underrepresented in these conversations.
About the ISC Forum
The ISC Forum on Publishing and Research Assessment brings together the International Science Council’s global membership to advance reform of scientific publishing and research assessment as interconnected challenges. Learn more about the Forum’s work here.
Contact
Questions about this survey can be directed to Felix Dijkstal at felix.dijkstal@council.science.
