Mapping the Momentum: Evaluating Research Productivity and Collaborative Networks in Bioethics Across the Eastern Mediterranean Region Publisher



Mardani A ; Keramatfar A ; Noroozi M ; Parsapoor A ; Mandil A ; Rashidian A ; Shamsi Gooshki E
Source: Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Published:2026

Abstract

Identifying the trends and patterns of bioethics research in the Eastern Mediterranean Region provides valuable insights into research interests and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the region’s bioethics research outputs between 1974–2022 using a bibliometric approach. Publications from countries in the region indexed in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed were analysed. The results showed a clear upward trend, with an average annual growth rate of 39 per cent in bioethics publications, while the growth rate of citations was nearly twice as high. Iran was identified as the most prolific country, followed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. However, intra-regional and extra-regional co-authorships accounted for only 7 per cent and 17 per cent of publications, respectively, indicating limited research collaboration. The main non-regional collaborators were the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Further development of bioethics research in the region requires strengthened capacity building at both national and regional levels. © The Author(s) 2026.