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2. What criteria are used for the evaluation of research effectiveness? 



SAES projects or grants have explicit statements of goals and objectives. Most projects are 

 established for durations of three to five years. Annual reviews are conducted at both the 

 state and federal level (see above). Review and evaluation of progress is made annually by 

 the Department Head or Chair, by the office of the Experiment Station Director/Research 

 Director and by responsible faculty in the CSRS. 



Criteria used for evaluation of research effectiveness include: 



o Extent to which time-phased goals and objectives proposed for the project are 



achieved. 



o Demonstrable products of research including publications, patents, germplasm 

 releases, demonstrated adoption by users. 



o Performance of individual faculty and staff is usually evaluated on an annual 



basis, where accomplishments on funded projects is a critical factor. 



o Effectiveness of the research performed by faculty and staff are also critically 



reviewed when they are considered for promotion, tenure, and merit salary 

 adjustments. 



o Research effectiveness is also evaluated by professional peers in judging the 



merits of publications and in local, regional or national recognition in 

 professional and scientific societies. 



In some cases, research effectiveness can be estimated in terms of economic 



impact, in other cases, the results are judged on the basis of environmental 

 impact. Results may also be estimated in terms of consumer benefits. 



o Various user publics often provide evaluadon and feedback on projects 

 addressing their immediate interests. 



o Many SAES directors and department and branch station heads also have 



advisory committee inputs and other user-based evaluation exercises. 



3. How can we make more effective linkages between ARS and CSRS as well as the 

 service agencies at USDA (FSIS. APHIS, SCS, etc)? 



ARS scientists often participate in SAES regional projects, and SCS and Extension 

 personnel often participate as collaborators. 



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