Establishing Research Impact Assessment in Iran: The First Report From a Non-High-Income Country Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Study in Iran shows only 25% of health research projects have impact, with tech research leading. RIA can guide funding. #HealthResearch #ResearchImpact

Yazdizadeh B¹ ; Ahmadi A¹ ; Najafi F² ; Mohammad K³ ; Fariden M⁴ ; Khalili D⁵ ; Mahdavi M⁶ ; Rahimpour E⁷ ; Jouyban A⁷ ; Kelishadi R⁸ ; Monazzam MR⁹ ; Eftekhari MB¹⁰ ; Falahat K¹⁰ ; Nikooee S¹ Show All Authors
Source: Journal of Global Health Published:2024

Abstract

Background This study presents the first report on research impact assessment (RIA) in non-high-income countries, undertaken as a pilot initiative in 2021. Within it, we aimed to explore the feasibility of employing the ‘payback’ model for evaluating the impact of health research and enhancing the accountability of universities. We focussed on three key impact domains: ‘production of decision support documents and knowledge-based products,’ ‘implementation of research results,’ and ‘health and economic impact.’ Methods We adopted a case study approach to assess the impact of 5334 health research projects conducted by researchers from 18 universities from 2018 to 2020. Researchers were required to submit evidence related to at least one of the specified impact domains; six scientific committees verified and scored claimed impacts at the national level. Results Only 25% of the assessed projects achieved impact in at least one domain, with the production of decision support documents and knowledge products being the most reported impact. Notably, economic impact was verified in only three projects, indicating room for improvement in this area. Technology research exhibited the highest acceptance rate of claimed impact, suggesting a positive correlation between technology-focused projects and impactful outcomes. Conclusions This study demonstrates the feasibility of employing a case study approach and the ‘payback’ model to evaluate the impact of health research, even within the constraints of a moderately equipped research infrastructure. These findings underscore the potential of integrating RIA into the governance of health research in Iran and other non-high-income countries, as well as the importance of using RIA to assess the accountability of health research systems, guide the allocation of research funding, and advocate for the advancement of health research. The study sets a precedent for future assessments in similar contexts and contributes to the ongoing global dialogue on the societal impact of health research. © 2024 The Author(s). All Rights Reserved.