  This short paper introduces the u-index, a simple and objective metric to
evaluate the impact and relevance of academic research output, as a possible
alternative to widespread metrics such as the h-index or the i10-index. The
proposed index is designed to address possible issues with standard metrics
such as inflated ratings resulting from self-citations or by means of extended
co-authorship numbers where every citation has the same impact as for works
written by smaller groups, despite limited individual contributions. The new
index makes also possible to differentiate scholars who would otherwise fall
into the same h-index group, hence providing further insights into the actual
impact of a specific individual researcher.
