The Cooksey Review

Book excerpt: The Cooksey Review ("A review of UK health research funding", ISBN 9780118404884), published in December 2006, was commissioned by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to examine the best design and institutional arrangements for a new single funding system for UK health research. The Committee's report supports the decision by Sir David Cooksey to broaden his review beyond its original terms of reference to make wider recommendations for the UK health research framework, for example relating to healthcare treatment priorities, as well as outlining a number of tasks for the Office of Science and Innovation to address. The Review found that although good progress has been made in some areas, further work is needed to ensure that publicly-funded health research is carried out in the most effective and efficient way and to facilitate translation of research findings into health and economic benefits. Amongst its recommendations, the Review proposed that a new body should be established, the Office for Strategic Coordination of Health Research (OSCHR), as the central co-ordinating body for all health research carried out by the NHS and the Medical Research Council. The Committee raises some concerns that although the pharmaceutical sector is of great importance, allied health research such as medical engineering and technology, preventive and public health research should not be overlooked. It also calls on the OSCHR to operate as a light touch organisation that does not complicate the existing successful administrative mechanisms of the Medical Research Council. More information on the Cooksey Review can be found at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/independent_reviews/cooksey_review/cookseyreview_index.cfm