Discussion and conclusions: The research gaps identified will be used to encourage and support researchers to plan and implement randomized controlled trials, to collaborate with other groups, to avoid unnecessary duplication, to encourage priority systematic reviews to be completed and to foster methodological and implementation research. We will track how many research gaps are developed into trial protocols, as well as investigating why some are not taken up. A systematic process for determining research gaps should be welcomed by funding bodies. This premise will be tested as part of the performance measures for the WOMBAT Collaboration (WOMen and Babies Wellbeing: Action through Trials - www.wombatcollaboration.net).