The Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) is an interdisciplinary research institute at Leiden University that studies scientific research and its connections to technology, innovation, and society. Our research, bibliometric and scientometric tools, and evaluation expertise provide a solid basis for supporting research assessment and strategic decision making and for developing science policy.
As a leading research, consulting, and training centre, CWTS is dedicated to increasing our understanding of scientific quality, societal impact, and other related concepts. CWTS studies the conditions and consequences of research evaluation for the generation of new knowledge, and the role of research in innovation processes. Special attention is paid to the value of bibliometric and scientometric tools to support the evaluation and management of scientific research. On the basis of its research, CWTS wishes to contribute to the debates about the role of science in society.
Studies at CWTS range across the broad field of science, technology and innovation studies. Our staff have developed a special focus on research evaluation, research management, and science policy. Among the fields that significantly contribute to the core activities of the institute are science and technology studies, library and information science, computer science, sociology, anthropology, and economics.
Research at CWTS is organized in three research groups: Quantitative Science Studies (QSS), Science and Evaluation Studies (SES), and Science, Technology, and Innovation Studies (STIS). In addition, four topics that are of major importance for research management and science policy receive special attention: Academic Careers; Engagement and Responsibility in R&I; Open Science; and Research Evaluation.
