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Analysing published global Ebola Virus Disease research using social network analysis
Christiane Hagel1, Felix Weidemann2, Stephan Gauch3
1Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|October 10, 2017
Summary
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) research collaboration networks show concentrated expertise, with few central actors. Increased cooperation, especially with African institutions, is needed to accelerate life-saving product development before the next outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The 2014/2015 West African Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak highlighted global response concerns.
- Claims of neglected EVD research lacked empirical evidence, prompting an analysis of the research landscape.
- Understanding EVD research evolution is crucial for future epidemic preparedness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the evolution of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) research network.
- To identify research communities and collaboration patterns before and during the 2014/2015 EVD outbreak.
- To assess the global response and identify areas for improved EVD research collaboration.
Main Methods:
- Social network analysis (SNA) applied to bibliometric data from 1976-2015.
- Analysis of co-authorship networks based on institutional affiliations from Web of Science Core Collection.
- Identification of central actors, powerful positions, and research communities using network metrics and modularity.
Main Results:
- A total of 4,587 publications on EVD were identified, with a surge during the 2014/2015 outbreak.
- The EVD research network is dominated by institutions from the USA, Canada, and Europe, with limited collaboration from African institutions.
- Key influential actors are primarily from public/governmental institutions, with minimal participation from the private sector, including the pharmaceutical industry.
Conclusions:
- The EVD research network is organized around a few central actors, indicating concentrated expertise.
- There is significant potential for increased collaboration, particularly with institutions in affected African countries.
- Integrating peripheral expertise and prioritizing research needs can accelerate the development of EVD countermeasures.