NCJ Number
224685
Date Published
2008
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the available information on the framework within which drug-related research is conducted in European countries, including the role of drug-related research at the national level, coordination and funding arrangements, research and dissemination structures, and recent major research projects.
Abstract
Twenty-five European Union (EU) member states, Norway, Croatia, and Turkey have reported on drug-related research projects and scientific outputs that comply with research recommendations offered by the 1996 seminar on drug research jointly sponsored by the European Commission and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). The seminar noted that research was needed on drug policies and strategies, treatment, risk factors, etiology, socioeconomic aspects, drug supply, prevalence, incidence, and patterns of use and prevention. The aforementioned countries are also pursuing cross-cutting research needs identified by the EMCDDA seminar. These needs include defining research priorities in terms of research questions rather than research disciplines; the value of cross-national and comparative studies; the comparability of research methods and instruments; the importance of qualitative research; the relevance of outcome and cost-effectiveness studies; and the role of multifactorial and multidisciplinary studies. Another emphasis is support structures and mechanisms, which are crucial for the effective implementation of research needs. A few examples of good practice in European drug-related research are provided. Regarding future developments, the report recommends that drug-related research be further consolidated, particularly regarding its sustainability, training for young researchers, and the compatibility of monitoring instruments. 3 figures, 2 tables, and 21 references