Meta-Research in Biomedical Investigation: Gaps and Opportunities Based on Meta-Research Publications and Global Indicators in Health, Science, and Human Development
Meta-research in biomedical science is crucial for ensuring rigour, relevance, and transparency in an era marked by the exponential growth of scientific publications. This study examines global and historical trends in meta-research activities within biomedicine and investigates their relationship w...
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2025-02-01
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| author | Ivan David Lozada-Martinez David A. Hernandez-Paz Ornella Fiorillo-Moreno Yelson Alejandro Picón-Jaimes Valmore Bermúdez |
| author_facet | Ivan David Lozada-Martinez David A. Hernandez-Paz Ornella Fiorillo-Moreno Yelson Alejandro Picón-Jaimes Valmore Bermúdez |
| author_sort | Ivan David Lozada-Martinez |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Meta-research in biomedical science is crucial for ensuring rigour, relevance, and transparency in an era marked by the exponential growth of scientific publications. This study examines global and historical trends in meta-research activities within biomedicine and investigates their relationship with health, science, and human development indicators. A systematic analysis of 9633 publications from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed was conducted, focusing on publication volume, citation impact, and geographic distribution. Regression analyses reveal a significant positive association between meta-research activity and the Human Development Index (HDI), suggesting that meta-research contributes to societal advancement by enhancing evidence-based decision-making in health. However, no association was found between meta-research output and research and development (R&D) expenditure, reflecting the minimal resource requirements of secondary data-driven studies compared to primary or experimental research. Meta-research activity correlates positively with clinical trial completion, indicating its role in refining study designs and addressing evidence gaps. These findings highlight the importance of expanding meta-research in underrepresented regions to promote equity in scientific advancement and improve the reliability of biomedical knowledge. This result underscores the need for targeted support for meta-research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries with limited scientific infrastructure and resources for new knowledge generation. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-816be0cee04244cbae2a934b58b6c11c |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2304-6775 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Publications |
| spelling | doaj-art-816be0cee04244cbae2a934b58b6c11c2025-08-20T03:43:55ZengMDPI AGPublications2304-67752025-02-01131710.3390/publications13010007Meta-Research in Biomedical Investigation: Gaps and Opportunities Based on Meta-Research Publications and Global Indicators in Health, Science, and Human DevelopmentIvan David Lozada-Martinez0David A. Hernandez-Paz1Ornella Fiorillo-Moreno2Yelson Alejandro Picón-Jaimes3Valmore Bermúdez4Biomedical Scientometrics and Evidence-Based Research Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, ColombiaCenter for Meta-Research and Scientometrics in Biomedical Sciences, Barranquilla 080002, ColombiaClínica Iberoamérica, Barranquilla 080001, ColombiaFacultat de Ciències de la Salut Blanquerna, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08025 Barcelona, SpainCentro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Vida, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080001, ColombiaMeta-research in biomedical science is crucial for ensuring rigour, relevance, and transparency in an era marked by the exponential growth of scientific publications. This study examines global and historical trends in meta-research activities within biomedicine and investigates their relationship with health, science, and human development indicators. A systematic analysis of 9633 publications from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed was conducted, focusing on publication volume, citation impact, and geographic distribution. Regression analyses reveal a significant positive association between meta-research activity and the Human Development Index (HDI), suggesting that meta-research contributes to societal advancement by enhancing evidence-based decision-making in health. However, no association was found between meta-research output and research and development (R&D) expenditure, reflecting the minimal resource requirements of secondary data-driven studies compared to primary or experimental research. Meta-research activity correlates positively with clinical trial completion, indicating its role in refining study designs and addressing evidence gaps. These findings highlight the importance of expanding meta-research in underrepresented regions to promote equity in scientific advancement and improve the reliability of biomedical knowledge. This result underscores the need for targeted support for meta-research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries with limited scientific infrastructure and resources for new knowledge generation.https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6775/13/1/7publishingbiomedical researchmeta-researchevidence gapssustainable development |
| spellingShingle | Ivan David Lozada-Martinez David A. Hernandez-Paz Ornella Fiorillo-Moreno Yelson Alejandro Picón-Jaimes Valmore Bermúdez Meta-Research in Biomedical Investigation: Gaps and Opportunities Based on Meta-Research Publications and Global Indicators in Health, Science, and Human Development Publications publishing biomedical research meta-research evidence gaps sustainable development |
| title | Meta-Research in Biomedical Investigation: Gaps and Opportunities Based on Meta-Research Publications and Global Indicators in Health, Science, and Human Development |
| title_full | Meta-Research in Biomedical Investigation: Gaps and Opportunities Based on Meta-Research Publications and Global Indicators in Health, Science, and Human Development |
| title_fullStr | Meta-Research in Biomedical Investigation: Gaps and Opportunities Based on Meta-Research Publications and Global Indicators in Health, Science, and Human Development |
| title_full_unstemmed | Meta-Research in Biomedical Investigation: Gaps and Opportunities Based on Meta-Research Publications and Global Indicators in Health, Science, and Human Development |
| title_short | Meta-Research in Biomedical Investigation: Gaps and Opportunities Based on Meta-Research Publications and Global Indicators in Health, Science, and Human Development |
| title_sort | meta research in biomedical investigation gaps and opportunities based on meta research publications and global indicators in health science and human development |
| topic | publishing biomedical research meta-research evidence gaps sustainable development |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6775/13/1/7 |
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