ARC selects Elsevier’s Scopus as bibliometric provider for 2015 ERA assessment

Third time consecutive selection underscores Scopus' continuing relevance and value in supporting research excellence in Australia 

Elsevier, a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, today announced that the Australian Research Council (ARC) has selected Scopus, the largest abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed scientific literature, as the bibliometric provider for its 2015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment. This is the third consecutive time Scopus has been chosen as the sole citation provider for ERA.

ERA is an Australian Government initiative which evaluates the quality of research undertaken among Australia's higher education institutions against national and international benchmarks. The published ERA National report will provide insights for the identification and promotion of research excellence across the full spectrum of research activity in the country. It aggregates information about discipline-specific research activities at each individual institution, as well as information on the contribution of each discipline and each institution to the national research landscape.

"ERA provides a rich vein of information that gives us valuable insights into the university research landscape in Australia," said Acting ARC CEO, Ms Leanne Harvey. "ERA uses citation information in relevant disciplines to inform the expert panels which determine the ERA outcomes. The ARC is pleased to have Elsevier Scopus back on board for ERA 2015."

"ARC's decision to base its forthcoming ERA National Report on Scopus data is a strong affirmation of Elsevier's ability to deliver authoritative data and information that supports Australia's pursuit of academic and research excellence," said Nick Fowler, Elsevier's Managing Director of Research Management. "Being selected again has special significance for Scopus, especially this year when Elsevier is commemorating its decade-long presence in the workflow of the global academic community."

Ratings in the ERA National Report are determined and moderated by committees of distinguished researchers, drawn from Australia and overseas.

The results for the first full round of ERA were published in early 2011. This was the first time Australia conducted the assessment to take stock of its research discipline strengths and identified areas for development. The results of the second round of ERA were published in 2012.

The ERA 2015 assessment will open for submissions on October 1, 2014 for all participating Higher Education providers. Further details about ERA 2015 and the key documents are available from the ERA section on the ARC website.