The Accordance of Research Proposals and Research Priorities at Mashhad University Of Medical Sciences during 2006-2016

Due to the variety of health fields and the limited resources available, it is inevitable to prioritize research in all these areas and meet all the research needs of society. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the conformity of the plans with the research priorities of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.

In this cross-sectional study, data of approved proposals by vice-chancellor of research at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences during 2006 to 2016, and in the contract, ongoing or finished phases were extracted. The university research priorities code was extracted and the degree of compliance with the research topic was assessed.

The research projects were increased more than four times from 2006 to 2016. The self-reported research priority for 7433 projects was stated by the lead researcher according to which 44.8% of the projects (3332) were in accordance with the research priorities. On the other hand, compliance with research priorities for 3889 projects was not announced. After reviewing and matching with research priorities, it was found that out of 11322 projects, 47.5% were in line with research priorities. Both rates had a declining trend. Compliance status of the projects with university research priorities was significantly different in terms of main provider unit, thesis, and academic rank.

About half of the projects corresponded to the research priority and its’ trend was decreasing in the study period.