Building a network within the evidence community: the Evidence-Based Research Network (EBRNetwork)

2024 Prague [Global Evidence Summit]

Blaine C¹, Brunnhuber K², Klugar M³, Lund H⁴, Nasser M⁵, Robinson K⁶, Yost J⁷

¹British Medical Journal (BMJ), UK; Evidence-Based Research Network, Bergen, Norway

²Elseivier Ltd, UK; Evidence-Based Research Network, Bergen, Norway

³Cochrane Czech Republic, The Czech Republic: JBI Centre of Excellence, Czech GRADE Network, Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic; Center of Evidence-based Education and Arts Therapies: A JBI Affiliated Group, Faculty of Education, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Evidence-Based Research Network, Bergen, Norway

⁴Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway; Evidence-Based Research Network, Bergen, Norway

⁵Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research (PIHR), University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK; Evidence-Based Research Network, Bergen, Norway

⁶Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Evidence-Based Research Network, Bergen, Norway

⁷Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA; Evidence-Based Research Network, Bergen, Norway

Background:

Research on research has shown the scientific, ethical, and resource costs of unnecessary (redundant) studies. Many redundant studies could be avoided if prior research is considered in a systematic and transparent way before starting the new study. The Evidence-Based Research Network (EBRNetwork) was established in 2014 to promote the use of an evidence-based research (EBR) approach—or the use of prior research in a systematic and transparent way to inform a new study so that it answers the questions that matter in a valid, efficient, and accessible manner.

Objectives:

To establish an international network across disciplines to advance the transparent and systematic use of evidence to inform decisions about research

Methods:

In 2018, the EBRNetwork obtained funding from the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) to initiate EVidence Based RESearch (EVBRES) [CA-17117]. EVBRES aimed to build the EBRNetwork’s connectivity and capacity, as well as promote the use of an EBR approach among clinical health researchers and other stakeholders such as patients, ethics committee members, funders, and journal editors when conducting or supporting research.

Results:

Over the course of 4.5 years, EVBRES organized 4 working groups, 24 meetings, 3 EBR Conferences (with >1000 registered attendees), 24 Short-Term Scientific Missions, and 7 Training Schools (with >500 participants) and published >30 articles in peer-reviewed journals. EVBRES involved >200 researchers in >40 countries. Overall, we estimate that EVBRES reached >20,000 people internationally using different dissemination methods. The EBRNetwork has developed a strategy, charter, and business plan. The EBRNetwork has registered as a nonprofit organization; is now formally hosted by the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences in Bergen, Norway; and has established formal membership.

Conclusions:

Using momentum from EVBRES, current efforts are focused on sustainability and growth of the EBR approach to all areas of research. At the upcoming 4th Evidence-Based Research Conference (9 Sep 2024), members will vote on key documents and elect new steering committee members. In addition, activities of formal subcommittees and research interest groups will commence, providing an opportunity to shape the future direction of the EBRNetwork within the evidence community.