EQUATOR Network seeks enhanced medical research

The EQUATOR Network (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research) is a new quality improvement initiative that seeks to enhance the reliability of medical research literature by promoting transparent and accurate reporting.

Researchers, editors and peer reviewers put an incredible effort into the production of health research publications. However, there is clear evidence that many published studies are reported poorly. This has serious consequences for further research and clinical practice.

It is the intention that the Network’s goal of enhancing the reliability of medical research literature will be achieved through:
• Raising awareness of the crucial importance of good reporting of research
• Becoming the recognised global centre providing resources and training relating to the reporting of health research and use of reporting guidelines
• Assisting in the development, dissemination and implementation of reporting guidelines
• Monitoring the status of the quality of reporting across health research literature
• Conducting research relating to the quality of reporting.

The EQUATOR Network is directed by an international Executive Group that brings together leading experts in health research methodology, statistics, reporting and editorial work.

The first EQUATOR annual lecture, presented by Sir Iain Chalmers, editor of the James Lind Library and former director of the first Cochrane Centre, will take place on Thursday 26 June 2008 at the Royal Society of Medicine in London.

EQUATOR’s meeting will focus on a better understanding of the problems associated with health research reporting and the use of reporting guidelines, and will discuss potential solutions that can lead to the improvement of the health research literature.

The meeting will be of great interest to publishers and editors of medical journals, peer reviewers, researchers, medical writers, representatives of research funding bodies, developers of reporting guidelines, and individuals involved in research education from universities, professional societies and associations.

For further information please visit www.equator-network.org.