What are Altmetrics?
Altmetrics, or alternative metrics, are non-traditional measures of research impact that go beyond the conventional
citation counts and
journal impact factors. They encompass a variety of data points, including social media mentions, news articles, policy documents, and other online platforms where research outputs are discussed.
Why are Altmetrics Important in Catalysis Research?
Catalysis, being a multidisciplinary field that impacts industries ranging from
pharmaceuticals to
energy production, benefits greatly from diverse forms of impact measurement. Traditional metrics may not fully capture the real-world applications and societal benefits of catalytic research. Altmetrics provide a more holistic view of how research influences the broader scientific community and society at large.
Visibility: Altmetrics can help researchers understand how their work is being discussed and shared across various platforms, thus increasing their
visibility.
Engagement: They provide insights into the
engagement level of different stakeholders, including policymakers, industry professionals, and the general public.
Funding: High altmetric scores can be used to demonstrate
impact when applying for grants or funding.
Altmetric – Offers a comprehensive dashboard to track various metrics.
Plum Analytics – Provides detailed insights into citations, usage, captures, mentions, and social media interactions.
Impactstory – Focuses on the broader impact of research work, including societal and policy impacts.
Engage on Social Media: Share their research findings on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn.
Public Outreach: Write
blog posts or participate in public discussions about their work.
Collaborate: Work with other researchers and industry professionals to broaden the impact of their research.
Open Access: Publish in
open-access journals to make their work more accessible.
Quality vs. Quantity: High altmetric scores do not necessarily reflect the
quality of the research.
Discipline Bias: Different fields have varying levels of activity on social media and other platforms, which can skew results.
Manipulation: Metrics can sometimes be artificially inflated through coordinated efforts.
Conclusion
Altmetrics provide a valuable complement to traditional metrics, offering a more nuanced understanding of research impact in the field of
catalysis. By leveraging these alternative measures, researchers can gain insights into how their work is being perceived and utilized across different domains, thereby enhancing both their academic and societal contributions.
