Navegando em águas raras: notas de uma pesquisa com famílias de crianças e adolescentes vivendo com doenças raras / Navigating in rare oceans: notes from a family survey of children and adolescents living with rare diseases

Resumo No presente artigo, procura-se evidenciar a construção da navegação social em um hospital. O enfoque dado privilegiou os bastidores da aplicação de um questionário quantitativo sobre os custos da família com os cuidados/tratamento de seu(sua) filho(a) com doença rara. Permeando a descrição desses processos estão os marcadores de gênero, raça e geração de um dos autores deste artigo. A interação entre pesquisador e sujeitos da pesquisa em campo é socialmente construída, conforme as circunstâncias específicas que demarcam o convite para participar da pesquisa, bem como a coleta de dados, por isso o lugar que ocupa e a postura ética precisam estar bem definidos e claros para o pesquisador. O exercício metodológico e ético de construção desta navegação social com a instituição hospitalar e os sujeitos pesquisados foi permeada por dificuldade e incertezas, mas também por surpresas e aprendizados. Foi possível observar características marcantes da instituição, de seus funcionários e das famílias entrevistadas e, avaliar as estratégias metodológicas utilizadas.

Abstract This article seeks to highlight the construction of social navigation in a hospital. Our focus is to reflect on scenes of application of a questionnaire on family costs of care/treatment of children with rare diseases. These processes are linked to the markers of gender, race, and generation of one of the authors. The interaction between researcher and subjects of field research is socially constructed according to the specific circumstances that demarcate the invitation to participate in the research, as well as data collection. It implies that his position as a researcher and the ethical perspective need to be well defined. The approach and ethics build this social navigation with the hospital and the subjects are permeated by difficulty and uncertainty, but also by surprises and learning. It was possible to observe remarkable characteristics of the institution, of their employees and the families, to evaluate the used methodological strategies.

Os desafios éticos da Razão Empreendedora / The ethical challenges of Entrepreneurial Logic

Resumo O texto apresenta e discute os novos personagens que têm crescente presença no ambiente de pesquisa, quais sejam o pesquisador empreendedor e a universidade empreendedora. Discute ainda o cenário atual da difusão de conhecimento científico que apresenta crescentes problemas, com dificuldade de publicação de resultados e dificuldades de acesso a resultados de pesquisa publicados. Discute também o significado da estratégia da pesquisa translacional e apresenta e discute alguns desafios éticos relevantes que resultam da reorganização das relações entre ciência e negócio. Em particular trata dos conflitos de interesse e dos resultados da supercompetição entre cientistas e instituições em um cenário de encurtamento de apoio financeiro público à ciência.

Abstract The paper introduces and discusses the new players that now have a growing presence on the research scene, namely the entrepreneurial researcher and the entrepreneurial university. It also discusses the current scenario of the diffusion of scientific knowledge that presents increasing problems, with difficulty in publishing results and difficulties in accessing the results of published research. It also discusses the implications of the strategy of translational research and presents and discusses some relevant ethical challenges that result from the reorganization of the relationship between science and business. In particular, it deals with conflicts of interest and the results of excessive competition between scientists and institutions in a scenario of diminished public financial support for science.

A Razão Empreendedora na pesquisa em saúde / Entrepreneurial Logic in health research

Resumo Discute-se a reorganização das relações entre a produção científica e as inovações produtivas a partir do quarto final do século XX cuja expressão mais geral foi uma intensa aproximação espaço-temporal entre essas duas atividades. O setor de saúde humana foi um dos setores onde essa aproximação ocorreu com grande intensidade e o texto discute algumas bases conceituais importantes nesse processo, trazendo as contribuições de Gibbons, Stokes e Lundvall-Freeman, bem como as de Merton, Kuhn e Bourdieu no que se refere à organização do trabalho científico. Aponta e discute três processos derivados dessa reorganização, quais sejam a erosão do conceito do conhecimento científico como um bem público, a difusão de um personagem denominado 'pesquisador empreendedor' e o aparecimento da estratégia da pesquisa translacional.

Abstract The scope of this paper is a discussion of the transformative relationship between scientific research and productive innovation, which occurred from the final quarter of the twentieth century onwards. The main characteristic of the phenomenon was an intense space-time approximation of the two activities. The human health sector has been one of the main fields where that approximation was most markedly observed. Some major conceptual bases of the reorganization are discussed, and the text examines works by Gibbons, Stokes and Lundvall-Freeman, as well as Merton, Kuhn and Bourdieu with respect to the organization of the scientific work. The paper highlights and discusses three aspects that arose from the new configuration, namely the erosion of the well-established concept of scientific knowledge as a public good, the appearance of the individual referred to as the 'entrepreneurial researcher' and the emergence of the strategy of translational research in health.

A Razão Empreendedora na pesquisa em saúde / Entrepreneurial Logic in health research

Resumo Discute-se a reorganização das relações entre a produção científica e as inovações produtivas a partir do quarto final do século XX cuja expressão mais geral foi uma intensa aproximação espaço-temporal entre essas duas atividades. O setor de saúde humana foi um dos setores onde essa aproximação ocorreu com grande intensidade e o texto discute algumas bases conceituais importantes nesse processo, trazendo as contribuições de Gibbons, Stokes e Lundvall-Freeman, bem como as de Merton, Kuhn e Bourdieu no que se refere à organização do trabalho científico. Aponta e discute três processos derivados dessa reorganização, quais sejam a erosão do conceito do conhecimento científico como um bem público, a difusão de um personagem denominado 'pesquisador empreendedor' e o aparecimento da estratégia da pesquisa translacional.

Abstract The scope of this paper is a discussion of the transformative relationship between scientific research and productive innovation, which occurred from the final quarter of the twentieth century onwards. The main characteristic of the phenomenon was an intense space-time approximation of the two activities. The human health sector has been one of the main fields where that approximation was most markedly observed. Some major conceptual bases of the reorganization are discussed, and the text examines works by Gibbons, Stokes and Lundvall-Freeman, as well as Merton, Kuhn and Bourdieu with respect to the organization of the scientific work. The paper highlights and discusses three aspects that arose from the new configuration, namely the erosion of the well-established concept of scientific knowledge as a public good, the appearance of the individual referred to as the 'entrepreneurial researcher' and the emergence of the strategy of translational research in health.

II. The research ethics involving vulnerable groups

Abstract Vulnerability in research occurs when the participant is incapable of protecting his or her interests and therefore, has an increased probability of being intentionally or unintentionally harmed. This manuscript aims to discuss the conditions that make a group vulnerable and the tools and requirements that can be used to reduce the ethical breaches when including them in research protocols. The vulnerability can be due either to an inability to understand and give informed consent or to unequal power relationships that hinder basic rights. Excluding subjects from research for the only reason of belonging to a vulnerable group is unethical and will bias the results of the investigation. To consider a subject or group as vulnerable depends on the context, and the investigator should evaluate each case individually.

I. The role of research ethics committees in observational studies: epidemiological registries, case reports, interviews, and retrospective studies

Abstract It is often unclear to the clinical investigator whether observational studies should be submitted to a research ethics committee (REC), mostly because, in general, no active or additional interventions are performed. Moreover, obtaining an informed consent under these circumstances may be challenging, either because these are very large epidemiological registries, or the subject may no longer be alive, is too ill to consent, or is impossible to contact after being discharged. Although observational studies do not involve interventions, they entail ethical concerns, including threats such as breaches in confidentiality and autonomy, and respect for basic rights of the research subjects according to the good clinical practices. In this context, in addition to their main function as evaluators from an ethical, methodological, and regulatory point of view, the RECs serve as mediators between the research subjects, looking after their basic rights, and the investigator or institution, safeguarding them from both legal and unethical perils that the investigation could engage, by ensuring that all procedures are performed following the international standards of care for research. The aim of this manuscript is to provide information on each type of study and its risks, along with actions to prevent such risks, and the function of RECs in each type of study.

Towards post-colonial capacity-building methodologies - some remarks on the experiences of health researchers from Mozambique and Angola / Em torno de metodologias de capacitação pós-coloniais: algumas notas acerca das experiências de pesquisadores de saúde de Moçambique e Angola

Abstract This paper analyzes capacity building in practice, addressing the expectations, imaginaries and experiences of health researchers from Mozambique and Angola. The empirical data stems from the Erasmus+ funded project "University Development and Innovation - Africa (UDI-A)", a consortium established between European and African institutions to promote the mobility and empowerment of African academics, the establishment of North/South research partnerships and the strengthening of African institutions. Through qualitative research methods - semi-structured interviews and a focus group with African participants, and participant observation - this article analyzes the experiences of African academics working in the health field, their perceptions of capacity building and aspirations during their stay in Portugal in 2018. By addressing some of their concerns and achievements, this paper reflects on the performativity of capacity building methodologies, exploring a wide range of issues that emerge within the framework of North/South partnerships, inquiring whether it would be possible to decolonize capacity-building methodologies.

Resumo Este artigo analisa dispositivos de capacitação na prática, explorando as expetativas, os imaginários e as experiências de pesquisadores de saúde de Moçambique e Angola. Os dados empíricos resultam do projeto "University Development and Innovation - Africa (UDI-A)", financiado pelo programa Erasmus+, um consórcio estabelecido entre instituições europeias e africanas para promover a mobilidade e a capacitação de académicos africanos, o estabelecimento de parcerias de investigação Norte/Sul e o fortalecimento das instituições africanas. Através de metodologias qualitativas - entrevistas semiestruturadas e grupos de discussão com participantes africanos, e observação participante - este artigo analisa as experiências de académicos africanos trabalhando no setor da saúde, as suas perceções da capacitação e as suas ambições durante a estadia em Portugal em 2018. Através da análise das suas preocupações e sucessos, este artigo reflete acerca da performatividade das metodologias de capacitação, explorando um vasto leque de tópicos que emergem no contexto das parcerias Norte/Sul, questionando a possibilidade de uma descolonização das metodologias de capacitação.

Processos e desafios da interação entre pesquisa e política na perspectiva dos pesquisadores / Processes and challenges of the interaction betweeen research and policy from the perspective of researchers

Resumo As políticas informadas por evidências podem produzir impactos sociais e econômicos e benefícios na equidade e na saúde. A interação dos pesquisadores na política depende de interesses dos atores sociais e de ambientes políticos favoráveis. Este artigo busca compreender os significados e as perspectivas de pesquisadores sobre os processos de interação entre cientistas e tomadores de decisão que influenciam o impacto da pesquisa na política de saúde. Trata-se de estudo qualitativo, realizado em 2014, de análise de conteúdo para identificar os núcleos de sentido e as relações entre a pesquisa e a política. Baseou-se na abordagem do programa RAPID da Overseas Development Institute. Foram entrevistados 14 pesquisadores de projetos sobre morbimortalidade materna e neonatal financiados pelo Ministério da Saúde. Os pesquisadores orientaram-se para a produção de conhecimentos, o fortalecimento de capacidades de pesquisa e a divulgação dos resultados. Participaram, em algumas ocasiões, da definição de políticas de cuidado clínico e desempenho dos serviços de saúde. Apontaram barreiras para interatuar e produzir impactos na política devido às tensões do contexto político, econômico e social, às mudanças institucionais e organizacionais no setor saúde, e ao sistema de avaliação acadêmica.

Abstract Evidence-informed policies can produce social and economic impacts and equity and health benefits. Interaction between researchers in politics depends on the interests of social stakeholders and favorable political environments. This paper seeks to understand the meanings and researchers' perspectives of interaction processes between scientists and decision-makers that would influence the research impact on the health policy. This is a qualitative content analysis study conducted in 2014 to identify the core meanings and relationships between research and politics. The paper builds on the RAPID program approach of the Overseas Development Institute. Fourteen researchers who conducted maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality studies sponsored by the Health Ministry were interviewed. Researchers focused on the production of knowledge, strengthening of research capacities and dissemination of results. On some occasions, researchers also participated in the definition of clinical care policies and performance of health services. They pointed to barriers to interact and produce an impact on politics due to tensions in the political, economic and social context, as well as to institutional and organizational changes in the health sector and to the academic evaluation system.

Practical and conceptual issues of clinical trial registration for Brazilian researchers / Aspectos práticos e conceituais do registro de ensaios clínicos para pesquisadores brasileiros

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Clinical trial registration is a prerequisite for publication in respected scientific journals. Recent Brazilian regulations also require registration of some clinical trials in the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC) but there is little information available about practical issues involved in the registration process. This article discusses the importance of clinical trial registration and the practical issues involved in this process. DESIGN AND SETTING: Descriptive study conducted by researchers within a postgraduate program at a public university in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Information was obtained from clinical trial registry platforms, article reference lists and websites (last search: September 2014) on the following topics: definition of a clinical trial, history, purpose and importance of registry platforms, the information that should be registered and the registration process. RESULTS: Clinical trial registration aims to avoid publication bias and is required by Brazilian journals indexed in LILACS and SciELO and by journals affiliated to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). Recent Brazilian regulations require that all clinical trials (phases I to IV) involving new drugs to be marketed in this country must be registered in ReBEC. The pros and cons of using different clinical trial registration platforms are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical trial registration is important and various mechanisms to enforce its implementation now exist. Researchers should take into account national regulations and publication requirements when choosing the platform on which they will register their trial.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: O registro dos ensaios clínicos é pré-requisito para publicação em revistas científicas de prestígio. Recentes mecanismos regulatórios brasileiros também exigem o registro de determinados ensaios clínicos na plataforma nacional (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos, ReBEC). Porém há pouca informação disponível sobre questões práticas envolvidas no processo de registro. Este trabalho discute a importância do registro de ensaios clínicos e aspectos práticos envolvidos nesse processo. DESENHO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo descritivo realizado por pesquisadores de um programa de pós-graduação em uma universidade pública em São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Informações foram obtidas em plataformas de registro de ensaios clínicos, referências dos artigos encontrados e websites (última busca: setembro, 2014) sobre os seguintes temas: definição de ensaio clínico, história, objetivo e importância das plataformas de registro, quais informações devem ser registradas e o processo de registro. RESULTADOS: O registro de ensaios clínicos visa evitar viés de publicação e é exigido por revistas brasileiras disponíveis no LILACS, SciELO e revistas afiliadas ao Comitê Internacional de Editores de Revistas Médicas (ICMJE). Recentes normas brasileiras exigem que todos os ensaios clínicos (fases I a IV) envolvendo novos medicamentos no país sejam registrados no ReBEC. São discutidos os prós e contras da utilização de diferentes bases de registro de ensaios clínicos. CONCLUSÃO: O registro de ensaios clínicos é importante e atualmente existem vários mecanismos que obrigam seu uso. Quando forem escolher em qual plataforma registrar seu ensaio clínico, os pesquisadores devem levar em consideração quais são as normas nacionais e as exigências para publicação.

Eventos adversos en la terapia farmacológica de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal / Adverse events associated with the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Background: The purpose of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment is to achieve resolution of symptoms and remission of disease with a minimum of adverse events (AE). Aim: To report AE of different prescriptions used for the treatment of IBD. Material and Methods: Analysis of a registry of patients with IBD held at a private clinic from 1976 to 2013. All used medications, the occurrence and severity of AE were recorded. Results: The records of 346 patients aged 16 to 86 years, 74% with ulcerative colitis, were analyzed. The most commonly type of medications prescribed were 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) in 329 patients (92%), followed by adrenal steroids in 218 (61%). Forty nine AE were recorded in the same number of patents (14%). These were more common in patients with Crohn disease (n = 19, 21%). An univariate analysis, demonstrated that extra-intestinal manifestations, hospitalizations secondary to IBD crisis, requirement of surgery and treatment with steroids, immunosuppressants or biologic agents were significantly associated with the presence of AE. AEs were more common with immunosuppressants, followed by 5-ASAs and steroids. Discontinuation of therapy was required in 79, 100 and 43% of patients taking these medications, respectively. Twenty percent of AEs were severe. Leukopenia and pancytopenia along with alopecia were the most common AEs attributable to azathioprine. Conclusions: The occurrence of AEs in patients with IBD is uncommon. Even inmunosuppressants or biologic agents have a low rate of AE and most of them mild.

Redes de coautoría de investigación en salud pública en Santander / Co-authorship research networks in public health in Santander

Introducción. Aunque hay mucha investigación relacionada con la salud pública, aún persisten grandes desigualdades en este campo. Es necesario conocer cómo se genera el conocimiento y cómo se divulga al público para acercar la investigación a los tomadores de decisiones. Objetivo. Caracterizar las redes de investigación en salud pública en Santander, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron las redes sociales con base en la coautoría de publicaciones científicas de investigadores residentes en Santander durante el 2012. Se identificó a los investigadores mediante el llamado muestreo de "bola de nieve". Las publicaciones se buscaron en bases de datos nacionales e internacionales. Se calcularon la densidad y la distancia geodésica promedio de la red, así como el tamaño, las parejas, el agente conector ( broker ) y la ´homofilia´ (afinidad) de las redes egocéntricas. Resultados. Se detectaron 531 investigadores, la mayoría en epidemiología (77,59 %) y en más de un área temática. La densidad de la red fue de 0,0058 y, la distancia geodésica promedio, de 4,418. Varios indicadores sugirieron que las redes egocéntricas más cohesionadas fueron las de quienes investigan en más de un área del conocimiento o en epidemiología. La ´homofilia´ fue menor en sistemas de salud, bioestadística y ciencias sociales y del comportamiento, así como en instituciones hospitalarias privadas y en la universidad pública. Conclusiones. La estructura de la red sugiere una fase de crecimiento de la investigación y un predominio de la aproximación epidemiológica. Es necesario fortalecer las demás áreas de salud pública para mejorar la respuesta ante las necesidades de salud del departamento.

Introduction: Although a good deal of research in public health has been performed, large inequalities still exist in health. It is necessary to know how knowledge is generated and disseminated to the public in order for research to reach decision-makers. Objective: To characterize public health research networks in Santander, Colombia. Materials and methods: Analysis of social networks based on co-authorship of scientific publications by researchers living in Santander in 2012. Researchers were identified using a "snowball" technique. The publications search was conducted using national and international databases. The density and average geodesic distance of networks were calculated, as was the size, pairs, brokers and homophily of egocentric networks. Results: There were 531 researchers. Most worked in epidemiology (77.59%), and in more than one thematic field. The network density was 0.0058 and the average geodesic distance was 4.418. Several indicators suggested that the most cohesive egocentric networks were those in which researches investigated more than in one knowledge area or in epidemiology. Homophily was lower for health systems, biostatistics and social and behavioral sciences, as well as private hospitals and the public university. Conclusions: The network structure suggests a growth phase in research and a predominance of epidemi-ology. Other public health areas need strengthening so as to better address the health needs of the state.

Vision-related research priorities and how to finance them.

A number of organizations have employed a consultative process with the vision community to engage relevant parties in identifying needs and opportunities for vision research. The National Eye Institute in the US and the European Commission are currently undergoing consultation to develop priorities for vision research. Once these priorities have been established, the challenge will be to identify the resources to advance these research agendas. Success rates for Federal funding for research have decreased recently in the USA, UK, and Australia. Researchers should consider various potential funding sources for their research. The universal consideration for funding is that the reason for funding should align with the mission of the funding organization. In addition to Federal research organizations that fund investigator-initiated research, other potential funding sources include nongovernmental organizations, for-profit companies, individual philanthropy, and service organizations. In addition to aligning with organizational funding priorities, researchers need to consider turn-around time and total funds available including whether an organization will cover institutional indirect costs. Websites are useful tools to find information about organizations that fund research, including grant deadlines. Collaboration is encouraged.

[Relationship between emotional intelligence with conflict management strategies among educational and research managers of Shiraz university of medical sciences]

Introduction: Successful managers integrate strong interpersonal skills with technical knowledge to improve their performances. Emotional Intelligence not only provides the basis to further these skills, but also plays an important role in efficiency of group members and solves conflicts using emotions. The aim of this study was to determine relationship between Emotional Intelligence with conflict management strategies among educational and research managers of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 81 educational and research managers from faculties and research centers were selected using random sampling. Three questionnaires including Robin's conflict management, Schering Emotional Intelligence and individual traits were used for data gathering. Data were analyzed using t-test, Chi-square, and Pierson correlation tests

Results: The mean of emotional intelligence was 115.01. About half of the managers [50.6%] used avoidance strategy, and only 47.2% used collaboration strategy. Educational managers [87.6%] and males [59.6%] tend to use avoidance strategy more. Research managers [62.86%] and females [34.5%] used control strategy more. There was no statistically significant correlation between emotional intelligence with the strategies. Among educational managers, there was a statistically significant negative relationship between control strategy and management experiences. Among males, there were significant negative relationships between emotional intelligence and avoidance/collaboration strategies

Conclusion: Emotional Intelligence is an important factor to recognize and solve conflicts. It is necessary to improve top managers' performances through learning emotional intelligence strategies to them. The continuing education of conflict management strategies would help managers to recognize and manage conflicts timely and properly

[ survey of knowledge production of Iranian researchers on AIDS: evidence from the web of science database]

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge productions of Iranian researchers who had published papers on AIDS in journals and sources with impact factor indexed in the Web of Science between 2000 and 2010. The amount of scientific publications by Iranian researchers on AIDS in the Web of Science was studied with scientometric methods. 336 documents with at least one author affiliated to Iranian organizations were identified. The process of science production of Iranian researchers enjoyed an increasing annual growth rate of 30%. Iranian researchers had scientific collaboration with 22 international authors dominated by American authors. Tehran University of Medical Sciences contributed to almost one fifth of the scientific productions among national organizations. Most research studies conducted by Iranian researchers on AIDS were listed under the category of infectious diseases. 35% of the journals in which Iranian researchers published their papers were American journals. However, the journal, Hepatitis Monthly, published the highest number of papers by Iranian researchers. Iran's share of journal publications enjoyed an upward trend internationally, and in this regard, Iranian researchers have remarkable contribution to international joint venture articles

Pesquisa clínica em seres humanos:o papel do coordenador de estudos clínicos / Clinical trial with human beings: the role of the study coordinator

O coordenador de estudos clínicos (CEC) é a pessoa responsável pelogerenciamento desse tipo de estudo. Poucos trabalhos científicos têm trazido dados a respeito do papel doCEC nas diferentes especialidades médicas. Este estudo tem como objetivo revisar a literatura e identificar a suafunção. Entre 1997 e 2008, identificaram-se 76 publicações sobre pesquisa clínica envolvendo CEC. Apenas16 referiam-se especificamente às atividades desse profissional. Foram descritos 19 tipos de habilidades, 25subcategorias e 128 diferentes funções de um CEC. Entre elas destacam-se: habilidades clínicas, psicossociais, decomunicação e organizacional e a responsabilidade pelo processo do termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido.Em alguns locais, o CEC escreve protocolos de pesquisas e faz avaliações estatísticas. Para esse trabalho, muitasvezes, há necessidade de disponibilidade em horário integral. A literatura disponível sobre as funções do CEC équase totalmente estrangeira e reduzida. No Brasil, a Sociedade Brasileira de Pesquisa Clínica é responsável porquase todas as publicações existentes. Todavia, muito do que se lê em publicações estrangeiras acerca do papeldo coordenador não corresponde à realidade brasileira.

The Study Coordinator (SC) is the person who is responsible for themanagement of clinical studies. Few scientific studies have shown data about the role of the SC in variousmedical specialties. This article aims to search for and identify the scientific literature regarding the role of theSC. Between 1977 and 2008, 76 publications on clinical research involving SC were identified. Only 13 werespecifically related to the functions of a SC. The activities described included 19 types of skills, 25 subcategoriesand 128 different functions of a SC. Among them, it is possible to mention: clinical, psychosocial, communicativeand organizational skills, as well as the responsibility for the whole process of the informed consent. In someplaces, the SC writes protocols of research and makes statistical evaluations. In order to accomplish this job, theSC often has to be available in full time. The literature that brings information on the role of the SC is almostcompletely foreign and in small number. In Brazil, the Brazilian Society of Clinical Research is responsible foralmost all the existing publication. However, much of what one reads in foreign publications about the role ofthe SC does not correspond to the Brazilian reality.

Academic trajectories of dental researchers receiving CNPq's productivity grants

The present study analyzed the profile of dental researchers receiving grants related to their productivity in research from the Brazilian National Research and Development Council (CNPq). Data collection was carried out in March 2008, using the Brazilian database for curriculum vitae (Lattes Format). There were 144 researchers registered in the database and linked to 25 institutions. These researchers published a total of 12,997 full-text articles, 6,927 of which were published in the last 5 years. Category 1 grant holders (n=77) were responsible for 53.5 percent of this production; Category 2 grant holders (n=65) were responsible for 45.1 percent; Senior grant holders (n=2) were responsible for 1.4 percent. Regarding institutional affiliation, 90.3 percent of the research grants holders develop activities at public institutions and 9.7 percent develop activities in private institutions. Furthermore, 84.0 percent of the researchers are linked to institutions located in the southeast region of Brazil and 75.0 percent of the researchers perform their activities in the state of São Paulo. This study performed a mapping of the distribution of CNPq researchers, revealing a concentration in the southeast region of the country, especially in the state of São Paulo. The findings of the present study also demonstrate the important contribution of grant holders to the scientific production in dentistry in Brazil.

Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar o perfil dos pesquisadores de Odontologia, bolsistas de produtividade em pesquisa, do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento e Pesquisa (CNPq). A coleta dos dados foi realizada em março de 2008, a partir da base de dados do curriculum vitae (Plataforma Lattes). Observou-se que estavam registrados 144 pesquisadores vinculados a 25 instituições brasileiras de ensino e pesquisa. Esses pesquisadores publicaram um total de 12.997 artigos completos, sendo 6.927 produzidos nos últimos 5 anos. Os bolsistas da categoria 1 (n=77) foram responsáveis por 53,5 por cento dessa produção, os da categoria 2 (n=65) por 45,1 por cento e os bolsistas seniores (n=2) por 1,4 por cento. Em relação ao vínculo institucional, 90,3 por cento dos pesquisadores bolsistas desenvolvem suas atividades em instituições públicas e 9,7 por cento em instituições privadas. Observou-se ainda que 84,0 por cento dos pesquisadores estão vinculados a instituições localizadas na região sudeste do Brasil, sendo que do total dos pesquisadores, 75,0 por cento atuam no Estado de São Paulo. Este estudo demonstrou a importante contribuição dos bolsistas para a produção científica da área. Ademais, possibilitou o mapeamento da distribuição desses pesquisadores, evidenciando a concentração dos mesmos na região sudeste do país, especialmente no Estado de São Paulo.

La carrera del investigador en la Argentina / Research career in Argentina

La creación del Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas (CONICET) data de 1958, mientras que en 1960 se creó oficialmente la Carrera del Investigador. Originalmente contaba con 214 científicos, creciendo lentamente hasta llegar a los 3642 actuales (1999). Existen 5 categorías de investigadores, además de la del Investigador Clínico para el área de las Ciencias Médicas. Los investigadores comprenden el 46 por ciento del total del personal del CONICET, el resto lo conforman el Personal de Apoyo (34 por ciento) y los Becarios (20 por ciento). Llama la atención el exíguo número de los últimos, pero teniendo en cuenta los becarios de universidades, consejos locales y fundaciones el número se acrecienta sin llegar a ser óptimo. La distribución regional de investigadores es irregular, con predominio en Capital y Buenos Aires (61 por ciento), no habiendo sido posible evertir esta situación, aun con el estímulo salarial por zona. El ingreso a la Carrera tiene poca planificación y excesiva atomización; por outro lado los mecanismos de egreso por baja productividad o edad limite tienen políticas cambiantes y equívocas. Los problemas de la Carrera son los que padecen otras áreas del CONICET por falta de presupuesto. Sería conveniente que sus futuras autoridades fueran científicos en actividad capaces de convertir el problemas de la Ciencia y Tecnología en Cuestión de Estado, tan importante como la salud, la educación o la recuperación de las Islas Malvinas.

La investigación científica en Francia. Estructuras y carrera del investigador / [Scientific research in France. Structures and research career]

In France, scientific research has always been considered an important activity. The aim of this article is to present data with reference to French research, mainly research in Medical and Biological Sciences. This includes a description of the Research Career in the two main institutions, CNRS (National Research Center) and INSERM (National Institute of Health and Medical Research). Investment in science is substantial in France originating both from the Scientific Institutions of the State and from a large number of Private Organizations. France is the second European country, after Germany, as far as the number of national and private investigators is concerned. CNRS covers all the dominions of science, including Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Biology and Medical Sciences. One of its main structures is undoubtedly its National Committee of Research which is responsible for the evaluation of the laboratories and research projects, of the incorporation of investigators in the Research Career and of their promotion. This Committee includes, among others, members of the Research Career elected among themselves. In parallel, INSERM is centered in both basic and applied Medical Research, and is supervised by a Scientific Committee and eleven specialized Commissions. In both institutions, the Research Career incorporates investigators as civil servants after very competitive examinations; their performance is evaluated by specialized committees as well as by national and international experts.