Power of Objective Valuation

The Power of Objective Valuation


In the cases reviewed, the most effective way to demonstrate measurable influence was to present an objective valuation of the researcher’s work in the field. Citations are one form of objective valuation. As noted above, they were particularly influential in the reviewed decisions. However, all primary source evidence that the larger field had adopted the researcher’s findings helped to demonstrating measurable influence.



The AIDS researcher’s successful appeal highlights the importance of objective valuation. The petitioner in this case submitted witness letters, an award record, and evidence that two pamphlets he authored were distributed nationally in Papua New Guinea. Although the importance of the witness letters and award record were discounted in the decision, the AAO found that evidence of the national distribution of the petitioner’s pamphlets “[supported] the contention that the petitioner is known in Africa and Papua New Guinea as a highly regarded expert in his field.”



Like the AIDS researcher, the research associate in etymology demonstrated the influence of his work by providing evidence that others in the field had adopted his findings. Specifically, the petitioner submitted evidence that his published articles had influenced both government agencies and the agriculture industry. The petitioner also included a witness letter that listed the places in which his work had already been used to help farmers. The AAO found this objective evidence of the petitioner’s impact persuasive:



The petitioner submitted evidence that these articles were not merely published, but recognized in the field. Such evidence included, but was not limited to, reprint requests from government agencies and those in the agriculture industry. This objective evidence supports the assertions made by the petitioner’s references.