A call for action – applying the Evidence-Based Research Network approach to climate change research

Background: Research on research has shown the scientific, ethical, and resource costs of unnecessary (redundant) studies. Many redundant studies could be avoided if prior research is considered in a systematic and transparent way before starting the new study. Once the study has been completed, systematic syntheses help with the interpretation of new results, facilitating the placing of new findings into the context of the existing knowledge and highlighting evidence gaps.
Objectives: The Evidence-Based Research Network (EBRNetwork) was established in 2014 to promote the use of an Evidence-Based Research (EBR) approach, i.e. the use of prior research in a systematic and transparent way to inform a new study so that it answers questions that matter in a valid, efficient, and accessible manner.
Methods: Between 2018 and 2023, the EBRNetwork received funding from the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) for its COST Action EVidence Based RESearch (EVBRES) [CA-17117]. EVBRES aimed to build the EBRNetwork’s network and capacity and to promote the use of the EBR approach among clinical researchers, funders, ethics committees, and publishers across Europe.
Results: Over 4.5 years, EVBRES organized 3 EBR Conferences, published > 30 articles, and developed EBR training materials/manual for researchers, reaching an estimated 20,000 people internationally.
Conclusions: Using momentum from EVBRES, current efforts are focused on securing the sustainability of the EBRNetwork and expanding the EBR approach worldwide to other scientific disciplines. There is now a need to evaluate the extent to which climate change research is affected by a lack of EBR adherence (in healthcare an estimated 50%), contributing to research waste and opportunity loss of funding resources. In parallel, EBR awareness and capacity building will support optimal use of existing and future evidence, resulting in more valuable research to inform climate change assessments and policy decisions.