Research evaluation based on quantitative data has become a common practice in many European countries, including Serbia. In order to make an objective assessment, science policy institutions should ensure that applied methodology is relevant and transparent and that data used in evaluation procedures are comprehensive, objective and accurate. Furthermore, quantitative evaluation should be used primarily to support expert assessment in order to achieve a balanced judgment. These are just a few of ten principles presented in the Leiden Manifesto for research metrics compiled by Diana Hicks, Paul Wouters, Ludo Waltman, Sarah de Rijcke and Ismael Rafols.

Members of the BE-OPEN team have translated Leiden Manifesto in Serbian language in order to set the background for discussion on common misconceptions about research metrics and quantitative evaluation of scientific output in Serbia. Leiden Manifesto represents a suitable starting point in developing indicators of performance and impact of research at Serbian universities within the Project's Work Package 4.