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Analysis of recurrent research pathways for assessing and improving effectiveness in life sciences laboratories
E Andrew Balas1, Charmi Patel2, Ben Ewing2
1Biomedical Research Innovation Laboratory at Augusta University GA.
Medrxiv : the Preprint Server for Health Sciences
|January 30, 2023
Summary
Analyzing repetitive life science research processes reveals significant inefficiencies and variations. This method identifies areas for improvement to enhance research quality and productivity.
Area of Science:
- Life Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Research
Background:
- Life sciences research frequently faces effectiveness challenges.
- Inefficiencies in research and innovation (R&I) projects can hinder progress.
- A systematic approach is needed to identify and address these issues.
Approach:
- Developed a method to map repetitive research processes.
- Analyzed three R&I project samples: cancer companion diagnostics, COVID-19 variant identification, and vaccine development.
- Measured transition times, success rates, and explored variations in project phases and subject participation.
Key Points:
- Over 50% of companion diagnostic developments missed concurrent drug launches.
- Significant variations observed in co-development phases (Bartlett test P<0.001).
- Variations noted in vaccine development timelines (P<0.0001) and clinical trial subject participation.
Conclusions:
- Mapping repetitive research processes can uncover critical inefficiencies.
- Identifying practice variations is key to improving research quality.
- This analysis offers a pathway to boost productivity in life sciences.
