For example, linking funding to quantifiable output measures, such as publications and patents, can have unintended effects on the quality of research (Butler, 2002, 2003, 2007, Henderson, Jaffe and Trajtenberg, 1998). This suggests that a broad range of robust performance indicators should be developed and used to ensure that the quality of public research is maintained and enhanced. Indicators can also be supplemented by other evaluation mechanisms such as peer review. Particular care needs to be taken to ensure that research assessments capture differences among disciplines and take account of time lags.