The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched the Impact of Research and Innovation Scale (IRIS). This new scale aims to quantify the impact of biomedical, public health, and allied research projects funded by the organisation. IRIS uses a unit called publication-equivalents (PEs) to measure different types of research outcomes. This initiative marks step in assessing the effectiveness of health research in India.
Background and Purpose of IRIS
ICMR is India’s premier body for funding and setting agendas for health research. It proposed IRIS to standardise the measurement of research impact. The scale will help evaluate diverse research fields such as biochemistry, physiology, biomedical engineering, and public health. IRIS intends to capture the broader impact of research beyond academic citations.
How IRIS Measures Research Impact
IRIS assigns PEs to various research outputs. A peer-reviewed primary research paper or systematic review equals 1 PE. Papers cited in policy documents get 10 PEs. Patents are valued at 5 PEs. Commercial devices used at scale receive 20 PEs. This system creates a uniform metric to compare different research outcomes.
Advantages of the IRIS System
Using PEs provides a clear framework to assess research impact across disciplines. It encourages researchers to pursue work beyond just citable publications. IRIS also links impact measurement to funding decisions, ensuring practical use. The pilot phase across ICMR institutes shows promising feedback for IRIS adoption.
Concerns and Limitations of IRIS
IRIS may undervalue certain types of research. For example, commentary and narrative reviews receive zero PEs, ignoring their influence on scientific thought. The scale favours commercialised innovations over community health programmes or basic science. This could skew research priorities towards marketable products. The system risks undermining the ethos of research as a public good.
Need for Rigorous Development and Transparency
Developing impact scales requires careful study design and transparency. ICMR’s pilot should include independent validation and consensus-building, such as a Delphi process. Data sharing with external experts is vital for credibility. Without these steps, IRIS risks being a simplistic tool that misguides research evaluation.
Implications for Indian Health Research
IRIS could transform funding and research strategy in India’s biomedical sector. It offers a chance to diversify research portfolios and reward varied impacts. However, safeguards are essential to maintain ethical standards and support foundational research. The scale’s success depends on balancing innovation with public health needs.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of research impact measurement systems like IRIS in shaping public health research priorities in India.
- Explain the significance of research ethics in biomedical research and how it influences research outcomes and public trust.
- What are the challenges of standardising research impact across diverse scientific disciplines? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Underline the relationship between research funding mechanisms and innovation in health sciences. How can funding policies promote equitable research development?
