October 18, 2018
Hello,
Last week we celebrated research and scientific discovery at McGovern Medical School’s annual Research Retreat. This amazing forum, now in its 19th year, highlights research being conducted by faculty and trainees and invites a nationally recognized keynote speaker. We had a great day of science and conversation. I am very proud of the innovative and curious minds at McGovern Medical School.
The latest research in a wide range of subjects was presented at the “breakthrough discovery” and postdoctoral symposia. These included talks/posters on Alzheimer’s disease, circadian rhythm, spina bifida, stroke, cancer, and other topics. I was delighted to visit among our graduate students whose work was on display at the poster session.
The keynote address was presented by Dr. John Ioannidis, the C.F. Rehnborg Professor in Disease Prevention, and professor of medicine, of health research and policy, and of statistics at Stanford University. An internationally recognized leader in assessing research findings, Dr. Ioannidis gave a thought-provoking talk, “Research Practices for Reproducible and Useful Scientific Investigation.” He spoke about the many potential biases of research, our duty to be mindful of rigorous research methods and practice, and practical suggestions to improve the quality of research.
Dr. Ioannidis pointed out that 96 percent of all scientific papers claim to have a significant result, yet most research does not live up to these lofty promises. He noted the “glacial pace” of translating research from innovative idea to improved patient care/ “the bedside” and commented that 97 percent of all clinical trials have results that favor the sponsor. In response to a question, he replied that true research fraud is uncommon, but that research bias, small sample sizes, data sharing and transparency, incentives, and reproducibility of research are areas in which scientists, and institutions, can improve. “We have a lot to learn, and looking backward may be the best way to look forward,” Dr. Ioannidis noted.
Dr. Ioannidis was a wonderful and thoughtful keynote speaker—someone whose talk prompted each of us to examine research from a more critical perspective and to commit to greater rigor in research design and analysis.
Thank you to Dr. John Byrne, Kim Campbell, our Research Committee, and all who made this a successful Research Retreat.
Warm regards,
Barbara
P.S. Reminder – early voting starts Monday, Oct. 22.
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