Last week, EPIVINF hosted a webinar with Rosina Malagrida, head of the Living Lab for Health at IrsiCaixa, who spoke about the need to rethink how biomedical research is done and measured. She argued that focusing mainly on publications and citations is no longer enough, and that research should aim to make a real difference in society, healthcare, and the economy.
Malagrida introduced key concepts like Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and transdisciplinary approaches, stressing that today’s health challenges require broader collaboration across sectors. She highlighted common barriers in research, such as working in isolated disciplines, relying on linear thinking, and not involving key stakeholders like patients or healthcare workers.
Drawing from EU-funded projects such as MISTRAL and LWNVIVAT, she shared concrete examples of how participatory processes, bringing together researchers, patients, policymakers, and healthcare providers, can lead to more relevant and impactful outcomes. She also emphasized the value of systems thinking to better understand complex problems and co-create effective solutions.
The session wrapped up with a dynamic Q&A, where participants discussed the role of funders, the importance of institutional change, and the need for new research methods that support this shift toward more meaningful impact.
