The future of medical research: scientific experts, research institutions, and other stakeholders, must work hand in hand to improve quality

Scientific experts and institutions, political decision-makers, and other stakeholders, including specialist publishers, must all play an active role in curbing inefficiency in biomedical research. The individual scientists must implement the changes; the corresponding institutions must empower them, and create appropriate incentives. Moreover, political decision-makers have the means to link project funding to compliance with certain standards. For example, payment of a portion of funds could be withheld until results have been published. These conclusions were reached by speakers and attendees at a joint TMF and Cochrane Germany symposium, held in Berlin on 24 September 2015.