Side effects of problem-solving strategies in large-scale nutrition science: towards a diversification of health.
Solving complex problems in large-scale research programmes requires cooperation and division of labour. Simultaneously, large-scale problem solving also gives rise to unintended side effects. Based upon 5 years of researching two large-scale nutrigenomic research programmes, we argue that problems are fragmented in order to be solved. These sub-problems are given priority for practical reasons and in the process of solving them, various changes are introduced in each sub-problem. Combined with additional diversity as a result of interdisciplinarity, this makes reassembling the original and overall goal of the research programme less likely. In the case of nutrigenomics and health, this produces a diversification of health. As a result, the public health goal of contemporary nutrition science is not reached in the large-scale research programmes we studied. Large-scale research programmes are very successful in producing scientific publications and new knowledge; however, in reaching their political goals they often are less successful.
Penders
Bart
B
Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Care and Public Health Research Institute CAPHRI, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, NL-6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. b.penders@hes.unimaas.nl
Vos
Rein
R
Horstman
Klasien
K
D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000592:standards*; D011634:Public Health; D012107:Research Design