Building a synthesis-ready research ecosystem: fostering collaboration and open science to accelerate biomedical translation

Abstract

Abstract In this review article, we provide a comprehensive overview of current practices and challenges associated with research synthesis in preclinical biomedical research. We identify critical barriers and roadblocks that impede effective identification, utilisation, and integration of research findings to inform decision making in research translation. We examine practices at each stage of the research lifecycle, including study design, conduct, and publishing, that can be optimised to facilitate the conduct of timely, accurate, and comprehensive evidence synthesis. These practices are anchored in open science and engaging with the broader research community to ensure evidence is accessible and useful to all stakeholders. We underscore the need for collective action from researchers, synthesis specialists, institutions, publishers and journals, funders, infrastructure providers, and policymakers, who all play a key role in fostering an open, robust and synthesis-ready research environment, for an accelerated trajectory towards integrated biomedical research and translation.

Keywords

• Evidence synthesis
• Open science
• Systematic review
• Meta-analysis
• Preclinical research
• Animal models