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.