On the 21st and 22nd of December the Director of Knowledge E, a Solution Services Consultant at the Local office of Thomson Reuter (Dubai, UAE), a member of the international Advisory Council of MEPhI Philip James Purnell has held two master-classes in the University: “Scientometrics, benchmarking and impact factor – current trends in scientometrics and rankings” and “Creation of global level reputation – the role of teachers and dissemination”.

Opening the event, rector of MEPhI M.N. Strikhanov noted the high numerical indicators of the science development, which our University demonstrates. The rector emphasized the importance of the master class, because “the University needs to understand how we can continue to improve the quality of research and education, since it is two equal in significance and importance components of university’s activity”.

On the first day Philip Purnell discussed various aspects of scientific citation: how this criterion appeared and developed, why it is important and why people need it, the role of journals in the process. He noted that indicators should not be a goal of a scientist who seeks to reach a certain value, but it should be an auxiliary tool, which later can show the impact of the article. Attention was also paid to a new type of metric, which is evolving rapidly – altmetrics or alternative metrics based on social media and is an additional quick indicator of outcome. Special interest of participants was caused by a normalized citation indicator, to which the lector devoted a long time. Discussing each topic, Philip Purnell pointed strengths and weaknesses of the issue, asked questions and debated with the audience.

Philip Purnell dedicated the second day of the master class to the research reputation, drawing the attention of participants that the reputation of the entire University aggregates reputation of each its scientist. The representative of Thomson Reuter told about how a person can create a reputation and, subsequently, develop and maintain it. Like on the first day he noted the undeniable importance of social media for this topic, and urged not to neglect this useful tool.

After the master class Philip Purnell shared his impressions about MEPhI:

“I was impressed with the warm welcome I received in MEPhI, and with level of openness and engagement of scientists and University faculty members. Despite the difficulties that they face, such as the sensitivity of some scientific fields or language issues, I am encouraged to see that everybody is so interested in enhancement of the University’s reputation, in the promotion of research results and understanding its impact. When they are evaluated they should have a strong understanding of the necessity to combine quantitative indicators with qualitative expert opinion”.