Research and evidence translation are essential to strong public health systems. Globally, countries rely on high-quality data, sound methodologies, and effective knowledge translation to guide policies, strengthen programs, and address emerging health threats. Research plays a key role in shaping health priorities, informing interventions, and closing the gap between evidence and action.

Across the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), countries face persistent challenges in advancing operational research and evidence-informed policy. Limited resources, fragile systems, and restricted access to high-quality research infrastructure hinder progress. Barriers in data availability, dissemination, and application slow down the ability of health systems to respond to changing needs. Strengthening research ecosystems, improving policymaking processes, and increasing access to evidence are critical for advancing public health in the region.

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We work to strengthen research and policy because many countries in the EMR need practical, applied, and context-sensitive evidence to guide decisions. The region continues to face:

• Gaps in operational research capacity
• Limited mechanisms to translate findings into policy
• Barriers in data sharing and research governance
• Under-resourced institutions that require technical and structural support
• A need to bridge research, practice, and decision-making

We engage to support countries as they build stronger research environments, improve accessibility and use of evidence, and promote policies grounded in real public health needs.

• Identifying Research Priorities: Engaging in discussions with stakeholders across the region, collaboratively analyzing data, and conducting thorough studies to identify and prioritize key research areas.
• Building Capacities of Researchers: Conducting in-person training and offering self-paced online courses on various research topics, while empowering the public health workforce in utilizing technology and statistical software.
• Providing Technical Support to Researchers: Sponsoring targeted mini-grant programs and providing both technical and logistical support for research activities.
• Prioritizing Knowledge Dissemination: Developing and utilizing knowledge transfer tools to facilitate evidence-based dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders.
• Generating Our Own Research: Conducting diverse types of research and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals, while also implementing research-based projects that produce documented outcomes to inform decision-makers.
• Translating Research into Real-World Impact: Applying implementation science to apply interventions across various health sectors.

We support research and policy advancement in several key areas:

• Strengthening National Research Capacities: Supporting countries with tools, frameworks, and training in operational research, implementation research, field investigations, and evidence synthesis.
• Embedding Research in Public Health Programs: Integrating research components into national health programs, enabling stronger monitoring, evaluation, and policy relevance.
• Advancing Knowledge Translation: Developing briefs, summaries, and policy documents that make research accessible to practitioners and decision-makers.
• Supporting Policy Dialogue: Facilitating discussions between policymakers, researchers, and implementers to ensure that evidence informs public health priorities.
• Improving Research Quality: Providing technical support for research design, protocol development, methodological rigor, and dissemination.