AbstractScientific and technological research activities need evaluating to judge how well the original objectives were met, the value of the results, and what aided or hindered success — so as to identify changes to make next time. This article discusses the selection of assessment criteria (and related views of how far success is due to internal or external factors); and how the criteria can then be compared with the available information and indicators. Many criteria often used come from the leading research areas of the world; internationally, science is largely the national sciences of the center. Possible responses from the periphery are discussed. Distinctions are made between the indicators, monitoring systems, and the evaluation itself. Modifications for the periphery of commonly used evaluation methods are suggested.