Using a Publication Analysis to Explore Mission Success

Abstract

This paper examines the mission success of a federally funded research center by using bibliometric methods that include quantitative, descriptive, and citation analyses. We developed a methodology to facilitate examination of patterns in research, publishing, and collaborations, quantification and categorization of research partners, classification of topics, historical and emerging areas of research, and publishing venues. These patterns over a 12-yr period are used to assess whether the institute is achieving its mission goals of 1) fostering collaborative research, 2) becoming a center of excellence, and 3) educating scientists and students. Our findings indicate that a self-study of publishing activities yields useful results about programmatic strengths and weaknesses. This could be a first step of a larger study of federal government research and programmatic evaluation.