CoARA is a global initiative focused on improving research assessment and is hosted by ESF - elected as its secretariat - since December 2022. CoARA’s vision is that the assessment of research, researchers and research organisations recognises the diverse outputs, practices and activities that maximise the quality and impact of research. This requires assessments primarily based on qualitative judgement, for which peer review is central, supported by responsible use of quantitative indicators. Each CoARA member is expected to implement an action plan towards changing their practices following the ten commitments establishing a common direction for research assessment reform and listed in the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment. The Coalition has been set to facilitate information and sharing of practices and eventually help members to reach their objectives.

As an enabler deeply rooted in the CoARA structure, the CoARA Boost project strengthens the ramp-up of CoARA, enhancing its operational capacity and providing means to investigate and implement new models for research assessment. By amplifying its spectrum of actions and providing the additional capacity to implement a Cascade funding programme, CoARA Boost allows to develop a critical mass for reforming research assessment, generate gravitas for new members and facilitates the leveraging of additional sources of funding.
The overarching objective of the CoARA Boost Project is to contribute to enabling systemic reform of research assessment following the principles and commitments of the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment. CoARA Boost's objectives are to

• strengthen CoARA’s operational capacity,
• catalyse knowledge development, policy evolution and institutional change in research assessment,
• facilitate collection and exchange of information and
• widen the Coalition’s membership in Europe and beyond.