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. 2014 Mar;107(3):110-5.
doi: 10.1177/0141076813511450. Epub 2013 Nov 21.

Systematic analysis of funding awarded for norovirus research to institutions in the United Kingdom, 1997-2010

Michael G Head  1 , Joseph R Fitchett, Rifat Atun
Affiliations

Systematic analysis of funding awarded for norovirus research to institutions in the United Kingdom, 1997-2010

Michael G Head et al. J R Soc Med. 2014 Mar.

Abstract

Objectives: Norovirus infections pose great economic and disease burden to health systems around the world. This study quantifies the investments in norovirus research awarded to UK institutions over a 14-year time period.

Design: A systematic analysis of public and philanthropic infectious disease research investments awarded to UK institutions between 1997 and 2010.

Participants: None

Setting: UK institutions carrying out infectious disease research.

Main outcome measures: Total funding for infectious disease research, total funding for norovirus research, position of norovirus research along the R&D value chain.

Results: The total dataset consisted of 6165 studies with sum funding of £2.6 billion. Twelve norovirus studies were identified with a total funding of £5.1 million, 0.2% of the total dataset. Of these, eight were categorized as pre-clinical, three as intervention studies and one as implementation research. Median funding was £200,620.

Conclusions: Research funding for norovirus infections in the UK appears to be unacceptably low, given the burden of disease and disability produced by these infections. There is a clear need for new research initiatives along the R&D value chain: from pre-clinical through to implementation research, including trials to assess cost-effectiveness of infection control policies as well as clinical, public health and environmental interventions in hospitals, congregate settings and in the community.

Keywords: UK; funding; investments; norovirus; research.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Breakdown of investment in norovirus research by funder over time.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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