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How to increase value and reduce waste when research priorities are set

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 10:20 authored by Chalmers, I, Bracken, MB, Djulbegovic, B, Garattini, S, Grant, J, Gulmezoglu, AM, David Howells, Ioannidis, JPA, Oliver, S
The increase in annual global investment in biomedical research-reaching US240 billion in 2010-has resulted in important health dividends for patients and the public. However, much research does not lead to worthwhile achievements, partly because some studies are done to improve understanding of basic mechanisms that might not have relevance for human health. Additionally, good research ideas often do not yield the anticipated results. As long as the way in which these ideas are prioritised for research is transparent and warranted, these disappointments should not be deemed wasteful; they are simply an inevitable feature of the way science works. However, some sources of waste cannot be justifi ed. In this report, we discuss how avoidable waste can be considered when research priorities are set. We have four recommendations. First, ways to improve the yield from basic research should be investigated. Second, the transparency of processes by which funders prioritise important uncertainties should be increased, making clear how they take account of the needs of potential users of research. Third, investment in additional research should always be preceded by systematic assessment of existing evidence. Fourth, sources of information about research that is in progress should be strengthened and developed and used by researchers. Research funders have primary responsibility for reductions in waste resulting from decisions about what research to do.

History

Publication title

The Lancet

Volume

383

Issue

9912

Pagination

156-165

ISSN

0140-6736

Department/School

Tasmanian School of Medicine

Publisher

Lancet Ltd

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the health sciences

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