Paper just published: ‘Transitioning biomedical research towards human-centric methodologies: systems-based strategies’

Human-centric approaches such as microphysiological systems and in silico methods have shown great promise in developing our understanding of human biology and disease, but can the use of these novel methods be wholly embraced within a prevailing research paradigm that has been both built upon and dominated by animal models?

Our recently published article, ‘Transitioning biomedical research towards human-centric methodologies: systems-based strategies’ explores how a systems thinking approach, endorsed by the OECD and the EU, may prove to be a powerful tool for transformative policy change that encourages and facilitates the adoption of new approaches. In this paper, we propose that a systems thinking approach involving collaborative, data-driven policymaking promises to unlock the full potential of human-centric methods in relation to our major public health challenges.

As you read, we invite you to consider how model selection is simply a small step within a much larger system that typically defaults towards animal models. Whilst recent decades have seen some progressive policy changes within the model selection process, we propose that changes of a much greater magnitude will undoubtedly be required to confront the confines of the current biomedical research paradigm.

Click the link below to learn more about the origins of systems thinking approaches and discover how its applications to biomedical research may offer solutions for achieving collaborative and progressive policymaking whilst addressing the pressing societal, technological, and scientific needs of the 21st century.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359644624000722?via%3Dihub