This paper examines current trends and challenges in research assessment from the perspective of research-intensive universities in Europe and beyond. Over the last few years research assessment has become exposed to a variety of users and purposes, which has led to different risks, such as the start of an obsession with measurement and monitoring. To overcome these challenges and pitfalls (e.g. inconsistent methodologies) LERU has formulated a set of recommendations for universities and researchers on the one hand and for governments, policy makers and funders of research on the other hand to lower these risks etc. 

LERU emphasises that good research assessment calls for a good understanding of the process and for a sensible approach, which requires all those involved to carefully consider what works in different research environments and to build on good practice where there is valid evidence that the process leads to demonstrable improvements in productivity and impact.