The BMJ research priorities for future shocks collection Three researchers, three examples of impact
“The BMJ is very accessible. It makes this work on trust accessible in a way that reaches beyond purely academic circles.” Professor Heidi J Larson , professor of anthropology and director of The Vaccine Confidence Project Her analysis, “Building public trust in preparation for future health shocks: a research agenda”, also published in the future shocks collection, argued that health crisis planning must embed trust metrics alongside traditional preparedness indicators. The paper sparked global dialogue and became central to the 2024 World Health Summit discussions. The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board used the work to inform thinking around future crisis frameworks, recognising the importance of understanding trust networks. Larson’s work also inspired new cross sector collaborations to improve communication strategies and community engagement. Professor Heidi Larson, founding director of 40 is a globally recognised expert in vaccine hesitancy, trust and misinformation. Her work focuses on understanding public sentiment and strengthening the role of trust in health systems.
Dr Derek Cocker and colleagues’ pivotal paper, “Protecting healthcare and patient pathways from infection and antimicrobial resistance”, published in the future shocks collection, explores how system wide approaches, like enhanced infection control and vaccination, strengthen healthcare resilience. The research emphasises that prevention strategies protect individuals and entire healthcare ecosystems, offering a blueprint for mitigating seasonal pressures. The paper sparked global interest, resonating in regions such as South Africa, Bangladesh, and the Middle East. International participants at the collection’s special event emphasised the paper’s global relevance, particularly its call for holistic, prevention focused care beyond hospital settings. The paper also informed strategies to strengthen healthcare resilience during winter pressures and catalysed new grant proposals and diagnostic innovations. “BMJ Group helped get the science noticed by those we want to collaborate with, opening doors for new research and practical applications.” Dr Derek Cocker , academic clinical lecturer in infectious diseases and global health, University of Liverpool, UK
Professor Azeem Majeed is one of the most highly cited researchers in primary care. His analysis of the challenges and priorities for future health shocks, published in the future shocks collection, calls for better evidence on public health measures like lockdowns and school closures, given their unintended consequences. The paper reached the top 5% of all research outputs ever tracked by Altmetric. It drew international feedback from colleagues in China and India, emphasising the importance of regional data and global coordination. Professor Majeed’s long standing collaboration with BMJ Group has helped embed his work in policy and teaching. He integrates his articles published BMJ Group into the Imperial College of London’s Master of Public Health curriculum, encouraging students to evaluate public health strategies. “Publishing in The BMJ gives my work the weight it needs to be taken seriously by policymakers, journalists, and the public.” Professor Azeem Majeed , head of the department of primary care and public health, Imperial College London, UK
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