Document Information
Options for Future MRC Unit Reviews
This report, funded by the UK Medical Research Council (MRC), is intended to inform the MRC by proposing and appraising two options for reviewing Units: Option A: Scientific track record, reviewed via site visits over variable time scales. Overall Unit synergy is assessed, with award of funding envelope allocated to research groups by Director. Option B: Future scientific strategy is assessed using Strategic Audits, metrics and Directors’ science strategy. Site visit is optional and determined by Quinquennial Review Subcommittee. Units will only supported if there is a strategic need. The two options have been developed through a series of consultations with the key stakeholders involved in the Unit Review process. The options are not proposals nor are they mutually exclusive; it is likely that elements of each are combined to produce a preferred model. Strengths and weaknesses of the two options were appraised, using an appraisal framework looking at their suitability, feasibility and acceptability. Finally, it is suggested how the two options respond to 25 key questions. It is stressed that these choices are best made by the MRC with wider interests to consider and balance.
Free, downloadable PDF file(s) are available below.
RAND makes an electronic version of this document available for free as a public service.
Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 7.0 or higher for the best experience.
Contents
Chapter One:
Introduction
Chapter Two:
Scientific track record reviewed via site visits (Option A)
Chapter Three:
Future scientific strategy assessed using a combination of methods (Option B)
Chapter Four:
Discussion
Appendix:
Study methodology and results
The research described in this report was prepared for the UK Medical Research Council and was conducted by RAND Europe.
This product is part of the RAND Corporation technical report series. RAND technical reports may include research findings on a specific topic that is limited in scope or intended for a narrow audience; present discussions of the methodology employed in research; provide literature reviews, survey instruments, modeling exercises, guidelines for practitioners and research professionals, and supporting documentation; or deliver preliminary findings. All RAND reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure that they meet high standards for research quality and objectivity.
Permission is given to duplicate this electronic document for personal use only, as long as it is unaltered and complete. Copies may not be duplicated for commercial purposes. Unauthorized posting of RAND PDFs to a non-RAND Web site is prohibited. RAND PDFs are protected under copyright law. For information on reprint and linking permissions, please visit the RAND Permissions page.
The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit research organization providing objective analysis and effective solutions that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors around the world. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.
* RAND research is conducted across divisions, centers, and projects; these organizational components are represented in the "Related RAND Divisions" section above.
Top
RAND® is a registered trademark. Copyright © 1994-2008 RAND Corporation. 