Performance Targets in Academia and the Mathematical Sciences

There is a widespread problem with research assessment in academia. The culture of ‘research metrics’ and ‘performance targets’ increases anxiety, pressure, and insecurity, and “transforms research into an auditable commodity”. The problem is not limited to our discipline of mathematics, or to Australia, but the nature of mathematics, and existing Australian institutions, make some aspects of the problem particularly acute.

In order to address this situation, we have endeavoured to explain the problem as we see it, and propose some reforms and solutions.