Czech bibliometric system fosters mediocre research

27.8.2009, Nature Following your News story 'Czech researchers angry over government changes' (Nature 460, 157; 2009), we would like to point out that ill-conceived bibliometrics can be used as an excuse for deep cuts in basic research funding and the diversion of funds to 'applied' research.The innovative evaluation system endorsed by the Czech government's research and development council ascribes a certain number of points to every paper, patent, technology and piece of software. http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v460/n7259/pdf/4601079c.pdf