The Complexities of Targeting Research to Address Societal Needs: Evidence on How and Why Biomedical Research Changes Direction
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
The Policy Institute at KAUST invites you to a timely discussion with Dr. Josie Coburn, research fellow in metascience at the Research on Research Institute, University College London. Drawing on her experience as a transdisciplinary social scientist, Dr. Coburn examines how research is funded, organized, and evaluated.
The Speaker Series session will examine growing interest in research direction and the targeting of research toward societal needs. Using biomedical research as a case, the discussion will focus on how and why research changes direction, while considering the implications of these changes.
Dr. Thibaut Lery, director of strategic insights at KAUST, will moderate the session. Dr. Coburn will present scientometric evidence on changes in research direction measured in terms of “cross-disease spillovers” — instances where investment targeted toward one disease contributes to research on other diseases — for four diseases.
The evidence shows that cross-disease spillovers are relatively frequent. There are different patterns for different diseases, with more frequent and larger spillovers for diseases that are more prevalent in high-income countries. Spillovers may also relate to features of the research, such as basic science, capabilities, infrastructure, instrumentation, and methods.
Dr. Coburn will also examine why research changes direction, presenting qualitative data from 21 hour-long, semi-structured interviews with researchers working in different research environments. Changes in research direction stem from a variety of factors, including influences related to timeframes and motivations, as well as features of the research content and environment.
Collectively, these insights contribute to an understanding of the factors that influence changes in research direction and the desirability and feasibility of targeting research toward societal needs more broadly.
Bringing together KAUST researchers, faculty, and the wider policy community with leading experts from around the world, the Policy Institute Speaker Series supports thoughtful dialogue on how science, technology, and research can better inform public policy decision-making in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
The Policy Institute at KAUST greatly values your participation in this discussion and hopes you will be able to join us.
