Description
This indicator pertains to membership of prominent councils, boards and (advisory) committees that have a demonstrable relationship to the research performed, both in the professional and in the general societal domain.
Explanation
Non-academic marks of recognition for the work of a researcher or research group can be shown by participation in various roles in professional and civil society advisory bodies, boards and other civil society organisations. This includes membership of advisory boards in education or culture, administrative positions in museums, membership of government advisory committees, or membership of juries for important prizes.
Usefulness
In general, these indicators do not lend themselves to a quantitative approach because, in most cases, they are incidental, often unique marks of recognition, and because the roles involved may vary considerably. Nevertheless, experience shows that this indicator is relatively useful: appointments to such positions are based on status and reputation, and as such relatively easy to describe.
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