Advancing collaborative research for health: why does collaboration matter?
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This article argues that collaboration in health research is an ethical imperative, both during health emergencies and in non-emergency settings. It identifies three core ethical reasons for collaborative research: efficiency, by accelerating research and reducing unnecessary duplication; benefit maximization, by facilitating the implementation and uptake of research findings; and equity, by strengthening research capacity, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. While these values may require trade-offs depending on the circumstances, the authors emphasize that respect and fairness must never be compromised. They propose robust collaboration as the ethical default for health research and highlight the need for greater transparency and practical strategies to identify partners, overcome barriers, and establish fair and effective research collaborations worldwide. |