Evaluating Research and Impact: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research by the NIH/NIAID HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks
Open Access
- 4 March 2011
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Public Library of Science (PLoS) in PLOS ONE
- Vol. 6 (3), e17428
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0017428
Abstract
Evaluative bibliometrics uses advanced techniques to assess the impact of scholarly work in the context of other scientific work and usually compares the relative scientific contributions of research groups or institutions. Using publications from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) HIV/AIDS extramural clinical trials networks, we assessed the presence, performance, and impact of papers published in 2006–2008. Through this approach, we sought to expand traditional bibliometric analyses beyond citation counts to include normative comparisons across journals and fields, visualization of co-authorship across the networks, and assess the inclusion of publications in reviews and syntheses. Specifically, we examined the research output of the networks in terms of the a) presence of papers in the scientific journal hierarchy ranked on the basis of journal influence measures, b) performance of publications on traditional bibliometric measures, and c) impact of publications in comparisons with similar publications worldwide, adjusted for journals and fields. We also examined collaboration and interdisciplinarity across the initiative, through network analysis and modeling of co-authorship patterns. Finally, we explored the uptake of network produced publications in research reviews and syntheses. Overall, the results suggest the networks are producing highly recognized work, engaging in extensive interdisciplinary collaborations, and having an impact across several areas of HIV-related science. The strengths and limitations of the approach for evaluation and monitoring research initiatives are discussed.This publication has 43 references indexed in Scilit:
- Developing a conceptual framework for an evaluation system for the NIAID HIV/AIDS clinical trials networksHealth Research Policy and Systems, 2009
- The Eigenfactor™ Metrics: Figure 1.Journal of Neuroscience, 2008
- Measuring Co-Authorship and Networking-Adjusted Scientific ImpactPLOS ONE, 2008
- HIV/AIDS in Nigeria: a bibliometric analysisBMC Infectious Diseases, 2008
- Maps of random walks on complex networks reveal community structureProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2008
- Modelling of bibliometric approaches and importance of output verification in research performance assessmentResearch Evaluation, 2007
- Bibliometric techniques in the evaluation of federally funded research in the United StatesResearch Evaluation, 2004
- Author self-citation in medical literatureCMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2004
- The knowledge pool: Measurement challenges in evaluating fundamental research programsEvaluation and Program Planning, 1997
- A Co-Citation Study of AIDS ResearchCommunication Research, 1989