DOCSLIB.ORG

Ethical Implications of Malaria Vaccine Development

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Ethical Implications of Malaria Vaccine Development Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich Director: Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Nikola Biller-Andorno ______________________________________________________________________ Dissertation under the supervision of Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Nikola Biller-Andorno and Prof. Dr. phil. Marcel Tanner Ethical Implications of Malaria Vaccine Development INAUGURAL-DISSERTATION To receive the title of (Dr. sc. med./PhD) awarded by the Faculty of Medicine University of Zurich submitted by Machteld van den Berg Dissertation committee: Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Nikola Biller-Andorno (chair and main supervisor) Prof. Dr. phil. Marcel Tanner (co-supervisor) PD Dr. med. et sc. nat. Sonja Merten This dissertation has been accepted by the Medical Faculty, University of Zurich upon request of Prof. Dr. Dr. Nikola Biller- Andorno Zurich 2019 Publication record These dissertation chapters have been published/submitted in/to the following journals: 1. RTS,S malaria vaccine pilot studies: addressing the human realities in large-scale clinical trials Machteld van den Berg, Bernhards Ogutu, Nelson Sewankambo, Nikola Biller-Andorno, Marcel Tanner Published: May 2019 Journal: BMC Trials 2. Clinical trials in low-resource settings: the perspectives of caregivers of paediatric participants from Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya Machteld van den Berg, Bernhards Ogutu, Nelson Sewankambo, Sonja Merten, Nikola Biller-Andorno, Marcel Tanner Published: June 2019 Journal: Tropical Medicine & International Health 3. Applying complexity theory to model the operation of clinical trials in human communities Machteld van den Berg, Bernhards Ogutu, Nelson Sewankambo, Sonja Merten, Nikola Biller-Andorno, Marcel Tanner Submission date: March 2019 Journal: BMC Trials 4. Communities and clinical trials: A case study from the RTS,S malaria vaccine trials in eastern Africa Machteld van den Berg, Bernhards Ogutu, Nelson Sewankambo, Sonja Merten, Nikola Biller-Andorno, Marcel Tanner Submission date: August 2019 Journal: Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics to my first teachers, my mother and father and their classroom, the vegetable garden a prairie field or a buzzing beehive. ABSTRACT Clinical trials conducted in low-resource settings have unique challenges associated with their conduct. This is mainly attributed to the power and resource discrepancy between actors in the clinical trial. This thesis provides an in-depth look at clinical trials in low-resource settings and the effects of the resource discrepancy on the actors. It aims to answer what the ethical challenges are when conducting research in low-resource settings and the subsequent implications for research design. It focuses on capturing both the experience of caregivers of pediatric participants and the frontline researchers in a malaria vaccine clinical trial. Through exploring these two stories and bridging the relational with the formal, it provides a novel approach to address the challenges with research in low-resource settings. This approach employs the lens of complexity theory to evaluate the outcome of two systems, a human community and a clinical trial, merging. I will begin by outlining a general introduction of clinical trials in low-resource settings and the case study of a pediatric malaria vaccine clinical trial, here I detail the need to generate a vaccine against malaria and outline why such research should take place. This situates the reasons for the study and provides familiarity with the contextual reality. Then I will move into detailing the caregiver experiences, researcher experiences, and the application of complexity theory to bridge together the different experiences. This thesis is a result of qualitative data gathered from 78 interviews with caregivers of pediatric participants and 11 interviews with researchers involved on the frontline of a pediatric malaria vaccine clinical trial. The final part of the thesis is a theoretical reflection that explores the realities faced by researchers and argues for an approach that embraces the non-linearity of research taking place in human communities. Here I identify the challenges associated with choice and structural inequity, the conflict between beneficence and autonomy, and being a frontline researcher in low-resource settings. 1 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Embarking on this PhD project together with the Institute of Biomedical Ethics and Law and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute has been a wonderful experience for me as an early researcher. So, to start out, thank you to Nikola at the IBME who accepted me into the program and supervised my PhD, I am grateful for this opportunity you have given me and have appreciated your academic insight. And to Marcel at the Swiss TPH, your guidance, inspiration, and care has carried me through this PhD journey. My gratitude to you extends far beyond words that fit on this page a deep thank you for all that you do for the students who are fortunate enough to be guided by you. Thank you to all those who made this project possible. In particular the community respondents and members of the research team in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania: your open arms local coordination and language support from many allowed for this project to become a reality. In particular, Sally Mtenga (Tanzania), Bernhards Ogutu (Kenya), Nelson Sewankambo (Uganda) for your help with the organisation and design of this project. And to the local research assistants who translated, interviewed and helped me connect to local communities this would not have been possible without you. Thank you to Sonja for the qualitative expertise, your patient and reflective demeanor built a foundation in me as a social scientist. The administrative support I have received has been wonderful. Therefore, thank you to Daniela, Michelle and Dominik at the IBME and Margrith at the Swiss TPH for your help and vital role in project organisation. To all my dear colleagues and friends: thank you! In particular, Manya and Martina, two fiercely bright women who have lit up my PhD journey in every which way. Your friendship runs deep, and you are two great blessings to come out of this experience. And also: Mirriam, Ana, Sebastian, Daniel, Corine, Holger and Matthias for the warmth and encouragement you have brought to our shared workplace. To my first bioethics professor eight years ago, Doris, who continues to walk this journey with me as a dear friend I would not be here without your support. Then my friends from across the globe, particularly in Canada, the list is too long and my words too vacant, but you have played 3 such a unique role in my life. My friends in Switzerland: Hannah, Julia, Silvan, Sandra, Nici, Jeanine, and Kevin you each make this country feel very much like home. My dear, dear Christian, your love has strengthened me for many years and has been my great cornerstone for this journey. From your small notes of encouragement to our long runs and garden projects, every step with you is the stuff of magic. Most profoundly, thank you to my family where my roots are forever strong and protected. You have taught me, challenged me, and always nurtured me. My parents, Leen and Maria, thank you for being the embodiment of integrity and love. My siblings, Daniel, Josine and Leendert who keep me on my toes and ground me: it is not an understatement to say I would not be who I am without you. And lastly, to all those not mentioned but who have inspired, loved and sustained me throughout my life. Thank you! 4 FUNDING This work was supported by a Doc.CH grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF P0ZHP1_172115), the Rudolf Geigy Foundation and the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC). 5 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT .............................................................................................................. 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................... 3 FUNDING ................................................................................................................. 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................ 7 ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................11 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................13 Background ............................................................................................................................. 15 Clinical trials in low-resource settings .................................................................................. 15 A pediatric malaria vaccine as a case study .......................................................................... 15 Why a malaria vaccine? ........................................................................................................ 16 Malaria vaccine ethics ............................................................................................................ 18 Principle-based research ethics ............................................................................................. 18 Respect for autonomy ........................................................................................................... 18 Beneficence and non-maleficence ........................................................................................ 20 Justice ...................................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Leapfrogging Africa Sustainable Innovation in Health, Education and Agriculture
    Berlin Institute for Population and Development Leapfrogging Africa Sustainable Innovation in Health, Education and Agriculture hen in Rwanda bring in blood reserves +++ sustainable intensification makes farming more productive +++ online teaching not only during the pandemic +++ avoidable infectious diseases +++ kanian solutions +++ top school +++ development reduces the number of children +++ avoiding the mistakes of industrialized countries +++ central development areas: health, education and agriculture +++ Leapfrogging in Africa +++ higher yields +++ Diagnosis out of About the Berlin Institute The Berlin Institute for Population and Development is an independent think tank that deals with issues of regional and global demographic change. The Institute was founded in 2000 as a non-profit foundation and has the task of raising awareness of demographic change, promoting sustainable development, introducing new ideas into politics and developing concepts for solving demographic and development policy problems. In its studies, discussion and background papers, the Berlin Institute prepares scientific information for the political decision-making process. Further information, as well as the possibility to subscribe to the free regular newsletter “Demos”, can be found at www.berlin-institut.org. Support the independent work of the Berlin Institute. The Berlin Institute receives no public institutional support whatsoever. Project funding, research contracts, donations and endowments make the successful work of the Institute possible. The Berlin Institute is recognized as a non-profit organization. Donations and endowments are tax deductible. The Friends of the Berlin Institute brings together interested and committed individuals, companies and foundations who are willing to support the Berlin Institute financially and with ideas. You can find information about the Supporters’ Association at http://www.berlin-institut.org/foerderkreis-des-berlin-instituts.html.
    [Show full text]
  • TRANSLATING RECOMMENDATIONS INTO ACTION FIRST PROGRESS REPORT on IMPLEMENTATION of RECOMMENDATIONS November 2011–June 2012
    Commission on information and accountability for Women’s and Children’s Health TRANSLATING RECOMMENDATIONS INTO ACTION FIRST PROGRESS REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS November 2011–June 2012 Commission on information and accountability for Women’s and Children’s Health TRANSLATING RECOMMENDATIONS INTO ACTION FIRST PROGRESS REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS November 2011–June 2012 This is a preliminary report covering activities that have been carried out since November 2011, when the Strategic Workplan for Accountability (strategic workplan) was endorsed in a stake­ holders’ meeting in Ottawa, co­hosted by the Government of Canada and WHO. Working groups were formed to implement the strategic workplan. The first few months of work focused on institutional accountability processes by establishing national frameworks and global support activities. Results will become more apparent in the course of the upcoming implementation year. This report is prepared to inform the independent Expert Review Group for its progress report to the United Nations Secretary­General. © World Health Organization 2012 All rights reserved. Publications of the World Health Organization are available on the WHO web site (www.who.int) or can be purchased from WHO Press, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland (tel.: +41 22 791 3264; fax: +41 22 791 4857; e­mail: [email protected]). Requests for permission to reproduce or translate WHO publications – whether for sale or for noncommercial distribution – should be addressed to WHO Press through the WHO web site (http://www.who.int/about/licensing/copyright_form/en/index.html). The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
    [Show full text]
  • Tanzania National Institute for Medical Research TANZANIA Leonard Mboera
    ALIGNMENT AND HARMONISATION IN HEALTH RESEARCH COHRED Council on Health Research for Development Gabriela Montorzi Sylvia de Haan Carel IJsselmuiden Tanzania National Institute for Medical Research TANZANIA Leonard Mboera An assessment of the health research system A country report of the AHA series Council on Health Research for Development (COHRED) ALIGNMENT AND HARMONISATION IN HEALTH RESEARCH COHRED TANZANIA An assessment of the health research system A country report of the AHA series Council on Health Research for Development Gabriela Montorzi Sylvia de Haan Carel IJsselmuiden Tanzania National Institute for Medical Research Leonard Mboera Council on Health Research for Development (COHRED) Acknowledgements We are grateful to all our collaborators for contributing in different ways to the successful completion of this study. Thanks are due to: • NACCAP for providing the financial support for this study. • All stakeholders interviewed, for their availability and valuable contribution to the understanding of the Tanzania Health Research System. • Donor agency headquarters for validating financial data and contributing with financial information. Keywords Alignment and harmonisation, national health research systems, Tanzania, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Paris declaration on aid effectiveness, research financing ISBN 92-9226-034-0 Copyright and Fair Use The Council on Health Research for Development (COHRED) holds the copyright to its publications and web pages but encourages duplication and dissemination of these materials for non-commercial purposes. Proper citation is requested and modification of these materials is prohibited. Permission to make digital or hard copies of part or all of this work for personal or classroom use is granted without fee and without a formal request provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial purposes and that copies bear this notice and full citation on the first page.
    [Show full text]
  • 5.09 Otras Ciencias Sociales
    CONICYT Ranking por Disciplina > Sub-área OECD (No Académicas) Comisión Nacional de Investigación 5. Ciencias Sociales > 5.9 Otras Ciencias Sociales Científica y Tecnológica PAÍS INSTITUCIÓN RANKING PUNTAJE FRANCE Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 1 5,000 USA University of Illinois Chicago Hospital 2 5,000 GERMANY Max Planck Society 3 5,000 TAIWAN Academia Sinica - Taiwan 4 5,000 CANADA Centre for Addiction & Mental Health - Canada 5 5,000 USA Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA 6 5,000 USA VA Boston Healthcare System 7 5,000 ITALY Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) 8 5,000 CHINA Chinese Academy of Sciences 9 5,000 SPAIN Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC) 10 5,000 NORWAY Institute of Transport Economics 11 5,000 USA National Bureau of Economic Research 12 5,000 RUSSIA Russian Academy of Sciences 13 5,000 ARGENTINA Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas (CONICET) 14 5,000 CZECH REPUBLIC Czech Academy of Sciences 15 5,000 FRANCE Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (Inserm) 16 5,000 USA Microsoft 17 5,000 USA National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA 18 5,000 USA Research Triangle Institute 19 5,000 USA Atlanta VA Health Care System 20 5,000 USA US Department of Veteran Affairs 21 5,000 NETHERLANDS Academic Medical Center Amsterdam 22 5,000 USA New York State Psychiatry Institute 23 5,000 GERMANY IZA Institute Labor Economics 24 5,000 GERMANY Helmholtz Association 25 5,000 ROMANIA Romanian Academy of Sciences 26 5,000 UNITED KINGDOM NERC Natural
    [Show full text]
  • Comparison of Clinical Trials in the Industrialized World and Africa Christian Burri; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute
    Life Science Forum Basel 2010 Comparison of Clinical Trials in the industrialized world and Africa Christian Burri; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute Department of Medicines Research Basel, 23rd June 2010 Comparison of Clinical Trials in the industrialized world and Africa Life Science Forum Basel PD Dr. Christian Burri Head of Department Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute The Swiss TPH … … is an associated institute of the University of Basel … has the mandate to contribute to the improvement of the health of populations internationally and nationally through excellence in research, services, and teaching & training at the levels of innovation, validation & application … has over 500 staff from 40 nations thereof ~100 PhD students 1 Life Science Forum Basel 2010 Comparison of Clinical Trials in the industrialized world and Africa Christian Burri; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute The Swiss TPH … … the Swiss Tropical Institute (STI) was founded in 1943 as a public organisation based on a local government act … became the “Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute” (Swiss TPH) at the beginning of the year 2010 after the integration of the Institute of Social & Preventive Medicine (ISPM) of the University of Basel … is supported at ~20 % by the Swiss Federal Government & Canton of Basel- Stadt … earns the greater part of funding through competitively acquired project funds and the earnings of the Service Departments Agenda • Contribution by the Swiss Tropical & Public Health
    [Show full text]
  • 14Th Annual RBM VCWG Meeting Moevenpick Hotel Route De Pré
    14th Annual RBM VCWG Meeting Moevenpick hotel Route de Pré Bois 20, 1215 Geneva, Switzerland 30 January - 1 February 2019 Participants list # Family name First name Name of the employer Country Email 1 Aawi Agnidoufeyi Ministry of Health Togo [email protected] 2 Abdelhamid Elmahdi Muzamil Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum Sudan [email protected] 3 Abebe Aklilu Seyoum Abt Associates United States of America [email protected] 4 Abeku Tarekegn Malaria Consortium United Kingdom [email protected] 5 Achee Nicole University of Notre Dame United States of America [email protected] 6 Adey Richard Adey Business Development GmbH Austria [email protected] 7 Agyei Samuel Asiedu Anglogold Ashanti Malaria Control Ltd. Ghana [email protected] 8 Ahmed Ayman University of Khartoum Sudan [email protected] 9 Aidenagbon Godwin Chemonics Nigeria [email protected] 10 Akim Ikupa Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute Tanzania [email protected] 11 Akogbeto Codjo Martin Ministry of Health Benin [email protected] 12 Ali Abdullah Ministry of Health Tanzania Zanzibar [email protected] 13 Alssada Methaq National Malaria Control Programme Yemen [email protected] 14 Alvarez Ana Unitaid Switzerland [email protected] 15 Ameneshewa Birkinesh World Health Organization Republic of the Congo [email protected] 16 Arruti Errasti Begoña Goizper Group Spain [email protected] 17 Asiedu Samuel Anglogold Ashanti Malaria Control Ltd. Ghana [email protected] 18 Assan Malik Kof Anglogold Ashanti Malaria Control Ltd. Ghana [email protected] 19 Atta-Obeng Christian National Malaria Control Programme Ghana [email protected] 20 Baldini Francesco University of Glasgow United Kingdom [email protected] 21 Barasa Sheila Clinton Health Access Initiative Kenya [email protected] 22 Baud Francis Clariant Plastics & Coatings Ltd.
    [Show full text]
  • Alliance for Case Studies for Global Health
    Case Studies for Global Health Building relationships. Sharing knowledge. Alliance for Case Studies for Global Health ® www.casestudiesforglobalhealth.org Case Studies for Global Health Building relationships. Sharing knowledge. Case Studies for Global Health Case Studies for Global Health: Building relationships. Sharing knowledge. ISBN #0-9778444-8-X Copyright ©2009 by the Alliance for Case Studies for Global Health The logos of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, International AIDS Vaccine Institute (IAVI), Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), Global Health Progress and TDR are the trademark of the respective organizations. All rights reserved. This material may be quoted or reproduced without charge for noncommercial purposes only; please acknowledge source. This publication does not imply endorsement by the Alliance for Case Studies for Global Health of any product or service, nor any organization, corporation or institution. Case Studies for Global Health is available in electronic format and limited print copies are available. You may download a copy of the book or individual case studies at: www.casestudiesforglobalhealth.org. All other inquiries: Managing Editor Alliance for Case Studies for Global Health 111 Deer Lake Road, Suite 100 Deerfield, IL 60015 USA Web site: www.casestudiesforglobalhealth.org E-mail: [email protected] Printed in the USA on FSC-certified paper. Methods and Acknowledgement This publication is an initiative of the Alliance for Case Studies We reached out to many universities, organizations, companies for Global Health, a collaboration of the Association of University and governments to identify potential case studies. To capture as Technology Managers (AUTM), the Bill & Melinda Gates many diverse stories as possible, we published a call for case studies Foundation, Global Health Progress, the International AIDS in various newsletters, journals and on Web sites during the fall Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and Tropical Disease Research (TDR).
    [Show full text]
  • A Case Study of the Uganda National Minimum Healthcare Package
    Regional Network for DISCUSSION Equity in Health in east Paper and southern Africa NO. 110110 A case study of the Uganda National Minimum Healthcare Package Dr. Isaac Kadowa Ministry of Health, Uganda In association with Ifakara Health Institute and Training and Research Support Centre In the Regional Network for Equity in Health in east and southern Africa (EQUINET) EQUINET DISCUSSION PAPER 110 The role of Essential Health Benefits in the delivery of integrated services: Learning from practice in East and Southern Africa August 2017 With support from IDRC (Canada) Table of contents Executive summary ............................................................................................................................. 2 1. Background ................................................................................................................................... 4 1.1 Context ............................................................................................................................................................. 4 1.2 Health, morbidity and mortality profile ..................................................................................................... 4 1.3 Organisation of health system ................................................................................................................... 5 2. Methods for the case study: ........................................................................................................... 8 3. Development of the essential health benefit ..............................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 2015 Global Go to Think Tank Index Report
    University of Pennsylvania ScholarlyCommons Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program TTCSP Global Go To Think Tank Index Reports (TTCSP) 2-9-2016 2015 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report James G. McGann University of Pennsylvania, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://repository.upenn.edu/think_tanks Part of the International and Area Studies Commons McGann, James G., "2015 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report" (2016). TTCSP Global Go To Think Tank Index Reports. 10. https://repository.upenn.edu/think_tanks/10 2016 Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the University of Pennsylvania, Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program. All requests, questions and comments should be sent to: James G. McGann, Ph.D. Senior Lecturer, International Studies Director Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program The Lauder Institute University of Pennsylvania Telephone: (215) 746-2928 Email: [email protected] This paper is posted at ScholarlyCommons. https://repository.upenn.edu/think_tanks/10 For more information, please contact [email protected]. 2015 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report Abstract Background The Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) at the University of Pennsylvania conducts research on the role policy institutes play in governments and civil societies around the world. Often referred to as the “think tanks’ think tank,” TTCSP examines the evolving role and character of public policy research organizations. Over the last 25 years, the TTCSP has developed and led a series of global initiatives that have helped bridge the gap between knowledge and policy in critical policy areas such as international peace and security, globalization and governance, international economics, environmental issues, information and society, poverty alleviation, and healthcare and global health.
    [Show full text]
  • Grand Challenges Canada, Funded by the Government of Canada, Today Announced $2.4 Million in Grants for 22 Bold Ideas to Address This Challenge
    News Release September 22, 2014 Saving “Every Woman, Every Child”: Canada ‘Incubates’ 22 Bold New Ideas Innovators worldwide receive seed grants to * Help Bangladesh garment workers express, store breast milk * Assist with childbirths in remote areas via mobile telecommunications * Stabilize vaccines without refrigeration * Produce snacks from rice bran waste to fight children’s iron deficiency Toronto, Canada – On the eve of United Nations General Assembly events focussed on ways to save and improve the lives of mothers, newborns and children, Grand Challenges Canada, funded by the Government of Canada, today announced $2.4 million in grants for 22 bold ideas to address this challenge. The novel approaches include: ● A program for Bangladeshi mothers working in garment factories to express, pasteurize and store breast milk -- thereby improving infant nutrition, reducing absenteeism due to child illnesses, and lowering baby formula expense ● A clever new hand-pump device design to help struggling newborns take a first breath ● A low-cost, portable system for diagnosing child pneumonia in high-altitude Peru ● A program to train traditional midwives in the Peruvian Amazon to use smart phones to collect information from pregnant women and to schedule antenatal care delivered by medical river ships ● A snack produced from rice bran waste to combat child iron deficiency ● Using chicken feathers to make a universally-affordable, effective mosquito net ● A technique for safely storing vaccines at room temperature -- considered a holy grail of global health -- by applying a novel polymer coating ● A portable ultrasound imaging device to help medical professionals oversee childbirths in remote areas via cellular telecommunications. Seed funding of $112,000 is offered to each of eight projects based in Canada (Edmonton, Hamilton, Toronto and Sudbury) that will be implemented in the developing world, and to 11 projects from innovators based in low- and middle-income countries (Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda).
    [Show full text]
  • 2019 Global Go to Think Tank Index Report
    University of Pennsylvania ScholarlyCommons Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program TTCSP Global Go To Think Tank Index Reports (TTCSP) 6-18-2020 2019 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report James G. McGann University of Pennsylvania, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://repository.upenn.edu/think_tanks Part of the International and Area Studies Commons McGann, James G., "2019 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report" (2020). TTCSP Global Go To Think Tank Index Reports. 17. https://repository.upenn.edu/think_tanks/17 2020 Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the University of Pennsylvania, Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program. All requests, questions and comments should be sent to: James G. McGann, Ph.D. Senior Lecturer, International Studies Director Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program The Lauder Institute University of Pennsylvania Email: [email protected] This paper is posted at ScholarlyCommons. https://repository.upenn.edu/think_tanks/17 For more information, please contact [email protected]. 2019 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report Abstract The Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) of the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania conducts research on the role policy institutes play in governments and civil societies around the world. Often referred to as the “think tanks’ think tank,” TTCSP examines the evolving role and character of public policy research organizations. Over the last 29 years, the TTCSP has developed and led a series of global initiatives that have helped bridge the gap between knowledge and policy in critical policy areas such as international peace and security, globalization and governance, international economics, environmental issues, information and society, poverty alleviation, and healthcare and global health.
    [Show full text]
  • November 14, 2018 Research on Gene Drive Technology Can Benefit Conservation and Public Health As a Global Community, We Are
    November 14, 2018 Research on gene drive technology can benefit conservation and public health As a global community, we are facing life-threatening challenges that undermine our future, from catastrophic loss of biodiversity to acute public health threats. Malaria cases are on the rise again after decades of progress, and fragile ecosystems are undergoing intensifying rates of extinctions. These challenges require new and complementary tools if we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the Aichi Targetsi. As the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) meets for the 14th Conference of the Parties (COP14) in Egypt in November, decision-makers from countries around the world will have an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of enabling research to support responsible innovation and evidence-based decision-making. Closing the door on research by creating arbitrary barriers, high uncertainty, and open-ended delays will significantly limit our ability to provide answers to the questions policy-makers, regulators and the public are asking. The moratorium suggested at CBD on field releases would prevent the full evaluation of the potential uses of gene drive. Instead, the feasibility and modalities of any field evaluation should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Much of the progress we have made in the past century in improving the livelihoods and wellbeing of communities around the world is the result of increased knowledge acquired through scientific research. Science has not brought solutions to all our problems, but improved understanding and evidence have been key to progress. Innovations in vaccines, for example, have saved millions of lives: the 74% percent reduction in childhood deaths from measles over the past decade is a demonstration of the life-changing power of scientific researchii.
    [Show full text]