Developing a conceptual framework for an evaluation system for the NIAID HIV/AIDS clinical trials networks

Globally, health research organizations are called upon to re-examine their policies and practices to more efficiently and effectively address current scientific and social needs, as well as increasing public demands for accountability

Evaluation of large research initiatives: outcomes, challenges, and methodological considerations

The authors synthesize relevant literature and findings of evaluations of four large-scale, federally funded scientific research programs in the United States to identify desired outcomes of these types of programs, major evaluation chal-lenges, and methodological principles and approaches. Evaluators face numer-ous contextual, political, and methodological challenges in evaluating big science. The authors propose that these may be addressed through participatory planning, such as concept mapping, triangulation of evidence, use of promising methodologies, and a systems approac