Dengue research networks: building evidence for policy and planning in Brazil.
BACKGROUND
The analysis of scientific networks has been applied in health research to map and measure relationships between researchers and institutions, describing collaboration structures, individual roles, and research outputs, and helping the identification of knowledge gaps and cooperation opportunities. Driven by dengue continued expansion in Brazil, we explore the contribution, dynamics and consolidation of dengue scientific networks that could ultimately inform the prioritisation of research, financial investments and health policy.


METHODS
Social network analysis (SNA) was used to produce a 20-year (1995-2014) retrospective longitudinal evaluation of dengue research networks within Brazil and with its partners abroad, with special interest in describing institutional collaboration and their research outputs.


RESULTS
The analysis of institutional co-authorship showed a significant expansion of collaboration over the years, increased international involvement, and ensured a shift from public health research toward vector control and basic biomedical research, probably as a reflection of the expansion of transmission, high burden and increasing research funds from the Brazilian government. The analysis identified leading national organisations that maintained the research network connectivity, facilitated knowledge exchange and reduced network vulnerability.


CONCLUSIONS
SNA proved to be a valuable tool that, along with other indicators, can strengthen a knowledge platform to inform future policy, planning and funding decisions. The paper provides relevant information to policy and planning for dengue research as it reveals: (1) the effectiveness of the research network in knowledge generation, sharing and diffusion; (2) the near-absence of collaboration with the private sector; and (3) the key central organisations that can support strategic decisions on investments, development and implementation of innovations. In addition, the increase in research activities and collaboration has not yet significantly affected dengue transmission, suggesting a limited translation of research efforts into public health solutions.
Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Av Brasil 4036, 8th floor, room 814, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-361, Brazil. bfonseca@cdts.fiocruz.br.
Bruna
B
de Paula Fonseca E Fonseca
Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Av Brasil 4036, 8th floor, room 814, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-361, Brazil.
Fabio
F
Zicker
D000818:Animals; D001319:Authorship; D035843:Biomedical Research; D001938:Brazil; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003715:Dengue / Q000635:transmission; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006285:Health Planning; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D009938:Organizations; D011634:Public Health; D012108:Research Personnel; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D060756:Social Networking
Dengue; Policy and planning; Research networks; Social network analysis