Abstract
Background: Research evaluation is a systematic and objective process to measure relevance, efficiency and effectiveness of
research activities, and peer review is one of the most important tools for assessing quality of research. The aim of this study was
introducing research evaluation indicators based on peer reviewing.
Methods: This study was implemented in 4 stages. A list of objective-oriented evaluation indicators were designed in 4 axes,
including; governance and leadership, structure, knowledge production and research impact.
Results: The top 10% medical sciences research centers (RCs) were evaluated based on peer review. Adequate equipment and
laboratory instruments, high quality research publication and national or international cooperation were the main strengths in
medical sciences RCs and the most important weaknesses included failure to adhere to strategic plans, parallel actions in similar
fields, problems in manpower recruitment, knowledge translation & exchange (KTE) in service providers and policy makers’ levels.
Conclusion: Peer review evaluation can improve the quality of research.