Research measurement and evaluation

To date, much thinking about research measurement and evaluation has been
concentrated in the biomedical and health sciences. However, there is increasing
recognition that funders of public research in areas ranging from music to microbiology
or from economics to engineering—need to justify their expenditure and demonstrate
added value to the community. Furthermore, they need to be able to engage with
stakeholder communities in illustrating the research process as well as the outcomes of
research. The challenge facing funders to measure benefits from research is considerable.
This Policy Resource provides some insight into the issues involved and offers ways to
approach the objective

All funders of research—ranging from music to microbiology or from economics to engineering—need to be in a position to:
  
   • Justify public expenditure on research.
   • Demonstrate that their own research policies
     are effective, or at least informed by effective
     practice.
   • Be able to engage with stakeholder communities
     in illustrating the research process
     as well as the outcomes of research.