Abstract. The ability of metrics to represent complex information about research in an accessible format has previously been overlooked in preference to debate about their shortcomings as research evaluation tools. Here, we argue that bibliometrics have the potential to widen scientific participation by allowing non-academic stakeholders to access scientific decision making, thereby increasing the democratisation of science. Government policies from 3 countries (UK, Australia and Spain) are reviewed.

Abstract. Understanding how institutional incentives and mechanisms for assigning recognition shape access to a permanent job is important. This study, based on data from questionnaire survey responses and publications of 1,257 university science, biomedical and engineering faculty in Spain, attempts to understand the timing of getting a permanent position and the relevant factors that account for this transition, in the context of dilemmas between mobility and permanence faced by organizations.

Abstract. We rely on a novel database of Spanish author-inventors to explore the relationship between the past patenting experience of academic authors and the scientific impact (citations received and journal prestige) of scientific articles published during 2003–2008 in journals listed in SCOPUS. We also study how such a relationship is affected by differences across academic affiliations, distinguishing between public universities and different types of non-university public research organisations.

Abstract. The aim of this paper is to provide an assessment of the benefits and costs of the deployment of RES-E, electricity from renewable energy sources (RES-E) in Spain between 2002 and 2011. The benefits refer to reductions of CO₂ emissions and fossil-fuel imports. These are compared to the costs of public support for RES-E deployment granted through the feed-in-tariff system (FIT). Three different methods have been applied for this purpose: the operative margin factor, the build margin factor and a combination of both.

Abstract. A methodology is developed which allows us to measure the responsibility of the productive structure of an economic system with respect to the consumption and generation of electricity within an input–output framework. We propose a technical indicator of technology responsibility in electricity consumption based on the assessment of technical coefficients.

Abstract. The web is not only the main scholarly communication tool but also an important source of additional information about the individual researchers, their scientific and academic activities and their formally and informally published results. The aim of this study is to investigate whether successful scientists use their personal websites to disseminate their work and career details and to know which specific contents are provided on those sites, in order to check if they could be used in research evaluation.

Abstract. Highly skilled return migrants contribute to the establishment of ties between the home and host systems. This paper studies how the professional ties, which Argentinean researchers built up during the time spent in foreign research systems, influence their collaboration patterns and their research outputs upon return. It confirms the expectation that having foreign work experience helps to explain the propensity to co-publish internationally and it also shows that researchers collaborate to a higher degree with their former host system.