Conclusions and recommendations
The Committee's inquiry
1. The
Committee recognises that the UK will benefit from a coherent
strategy to maximise the health benefits from UK research and
broadly endorses the approach taken by Sir David Cooksey in his
wide-ranging review of the UK's health research framework. (Paragraph
6)
The scope of the Review
2. We
believe that Sir David was right to exceed his remit and we welcome
the broad-ranging nature of the Review. However, we feel that
it would have been appropriate to advertise the changes in the
terms of reference to attract a broader range of opinions. (Paragraph
8)
3. Whilst the pharmaceutical
sector is clearly of great importance to the UK's health research
output, the Committee is concerned that allied health research
sectors such as medical engineering and technology, preventive
and public health research should not be overlooked. The DTI and
DH must ensure that these sectors are represented within both
OSCHR and TMFB. (Paragraph 9)
Proposed institutional and funding arrangements
4. We
look forward to the announcement in the Comprehensive Spending
Review regarding the Single Fund budget, and expect the current
combined budget for the MRC and the NHS R&D function to be
at least maintained. (Paragraph 10)
5. We acknowledge
and support the importance of translational and clinical research.
However, it is essential that the new proposals do not result
in decreased funding for basic research. (Paragraph 11)
6. We share the concerns
submitted in evidence regarding the impact of the proposed institutional
arrangements and the possible effects upon the MRC. We are firmly
of the view that OSCHR should operate as a light touch organisation
that does not complicate the existing successful administrative
mechanisms of the MRC. (Paragraph 13)
Health research in the UK
7. We
support the setting of priorities, but we expect OSCHR to ensure
that the best research in all fields is funded and that research
outside the priorities is adequately supported. We expect performance
monitoring to be done without the use of rigid targets. (Paragraph
14)
8. In setting out
its joint research plan for the MRC and the NIHR, OSCHR must ensure
that research that would benefit the developing world is part
of the overall strategy. We recommend that there be clear mechanisms,
structures or representations to ensure that there is adequate
advocacy of developing world health research priority needs within
OSCHR. (Paragraph 15)
Peer review
9. We
welcome the recognition that peer review should remain the primary
tool for assessing the scientific rigour of research proposals
funded through both the MRC and the NIHR. (Paragraph 16)
The pharmaceutical sector and a new drug development
pathway
10. We
support the principles behind fast-tracking crucial research.
However, we remain somewhat sceptical about the ability of the
current structures to respond to the demands this would make on
them. This is an area in which we will monitor developments. (Paragraph
19)
Implementation
11. We
welcome the initial stages in implementing the Review's recommendations.
The Committee will take a close interest in reviewing progress
and how the new institutional arrangements will work in practice.
(Paragraph 20)
| 
