1. Copyright: Knowledge Utilization Research Center Chapter 5 Recommendations-A Road Map to Support Countries in Strengthening National Health Research Systems Knowledge Utilization Research Center

2. Copyright: Knowledge Utilization Research Center Dr Reza Majdzadeh Epidemiologist Knowledge Utilization Research Center; Tehran University of Medical Sciences 2 /46

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4.  1. Have a Sound Policy  2. Establish Good Governance  3. Look After Yourself - Be Independent but Value Collaboration  4. Create an Attractive Career Structure and Strong Institutions  5. Share Knowledge: Share research data to improve access, transparency Copyright: Knowledge Utilization Research Center4

5.  6. Ensure Ethical Behaviour and Standards  7. Pay Attention to Innovation  8. Make Better Use of Evidence  9. Gain Public Trust and Empower People  10. Become a 'Global Citizen’ Copyright: Knowledge Utilization Research Center5

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7.  Action 1: Based on the policy, establish an effective, transparent, inclusive and sustainable governance structure for administering and overseeing health research, and ensuring effective coordination and evaluation of its activities. Such a structure could be contained within a national health research council which is charged with implementing the national health research policy. Copyright: Knowledge Utilization Research Center7

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9.  Action 2: Following these first steps, it would be logical for the council to then carry out a mapping/situational analysis of research institutions involved in research in the health and related sectors; defining critical links which need to be developed with other, non-health sectors. Copyright: Knowledge Utilization Research Center9

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11.  Action 3: Before proceeding to operational steps, it may be worthwhile at this point to review and revisit the governance arrangements and mechanisms based on the situational analysis in order to ensure inclusiveness and ownership. Copyright: Knowledge Utilization Research Center11

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13.  Action 4: At a practical and operational level, the council must then establish mechanisms (e.g. working groups, task forces or sub-committees) which will oversee the development of policies, strategies and mechanisms for the following key areas: Copyright: Knowledge Utilization Research Center13

14.  1. Through a consultative, inclusive and inter-sectoral process, define health research priorities; allocate resources through a competitive and rigorous peer- review process and/or commissioned research to pursue said priorities.  2. Building and strengthening capacity - in both human capital and physical infrastructure, based on local needs and priorities identified in 1. Copyright: Knowledge Utilization Research Center14

15.  3. Establishing national norms and standards for good research practice including ethical behaviour, access/sharing of research results, code of conduct, dealing with scientific misconduct, etc  4. Ensuring translation of research results and evidence into (a) useful medical interventions; (b) policy and practice; (c) public understanding which promotes healthy behaviours. Copyright: Knowledge Utilization Research Center15

16.  5. Routine monitoring of key indicators of progress in reaching objectives  6. Establishing links and partnerships with the global research community Copyright: Knowledge Utilization Research Center16

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18.  Action 5: This is the implementation step which should then be followed by Action 6 to establish a high-level, independent body to monitor and evaluate returns on investments in health research and audit the performance of the governing structure charged with this responsibility. Findings from such audits and evaluation can further inform both the policy cycle (back to Action 1) and the operational aspects of the NHRS. Copyright: Knowledge Utilization Research Center18

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20. Copyright: Knowledge Utilization Research Center Visit us on Web: http://kurc.tums.ac.ir http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K nowledge_Utilization_Research _Center