JOINResearch4Life’s new report: strengthening research in low- and middle-income countries
Research4Life together with Elsevier have today published their final strategic report, combining two complementary Research4Life studies exploring the views of more than 1,200 researchers and institutional leaders in in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The report, New horizons in participation: Strengthening research in low- and middle-income countries, combines a researcher survey (designed by Research4Life’s Equity Committee and Elsevier and conducted by Elsevier) and a qualitative study combining focus groups and in-depth interviews with institutional leaders (commissioned by Research4Life from ITOCA).
Ambition is high, but barriers remain
Together, the studies show a committed and globally engaged research community whose ambitions are outpacing the systems that support them. Researchers and institutional leaders point to barriers across the research journey, from securing funding and building international collaborations to publishing and participating fully in global research, alongside the emerging challenge of ensuring equitable access to AI tools and guidance. For Research4Life, the findings point to an evolution from access towards participation: strengthening institutional capabilities, trusted connections and pathways that enable researchers in LMICs to contribute to and shape global research.
“Researchers across low- and middle-income countries are telling us clearly that their ambition is outpacing the support around them. Our challenge now goes beyond access, to build the networks and opportunities that let them participate fully in global research, and on equal terms.” -Sarah Phibbs, STM’s Consultant, Equity & Inclusion
The report sets out 10 recommendations for governments, funders, NGOs, universities, colleges, and publishers, spanning funding, collaboration, publishing, peer review, professional networks and responsible AI.