The Community Engagement Score (CES): A Novel Quantitative Framework for Measuring Research Impact Beyond Citations

Citation-based metrics dominate research evaluation but often fail to reflect the societal value of scholarship. As universities and policymakers increasingly emphasise community engagement and real-world impact, there is a growing need for more inclusive evaluation frameworks. This study introduces the Community Engagement Score (CES), a new metric for assessing research based on local relevance, community involvement, and practical application. Using a mixed-methods approach, which includes quantitative analysis of 500 peer-reviewed studies across six academic disciplines and qualitative data from surveys with 100 researchers and 20 policymakers, we could provide a comprehensive evaluation of the CES. The findings reveal that locally funded research projects scored significantly higher on CES than internationally funded ones (Mean CES: 10.4 vs. 7.5; p < 0.001). We also observed a negative correlation between CES and citation counts (r equals − 0.34; p less than 0.001). This negative correlation suggests that highly cited studies may not consistently translate into community benefit, indicating a potential disconnect between academic recognition and societal impact. This implies that the current emphasis on citation-based metrics may overlook research that significantly impacts local communities. Key barriers to community-engaged research include tenure and promotion systems that undervalue engagement activities (reported by 74 per cent of researchers, with specific examples such as lack of recognition for community service in promotion criteria) and limited institutional support for applied research (cited by 68 per cent, with examples such as lack of funding for community-based projects). The CES offers a complementary perspective to traditional metrics, allowing institutions to recognise better scholarship that serves local needs. We recommend incorporating CES into institutional and national research evaluation frameworks to align academic incentives with societal goals. These findings offer practical guidance for reforming research assessment systems and promoting a more engaged, inclusive model of scholarship that values community impact alongside academic excellence.