How research access drives public health innovation

T
The Link
By: Saskia Hoving, Mon Oct 6 2025
Saskia Hoving

Author: Saskia Hoving

Editor-in-Chief

In the race to develop life-saving vaccines and diagnostics, access to the right scientific knowledge at the right time can make all the difference. For public health institutions like Bio-Manguinhos, Brazil’s leading producer of immunobiologicals, bridging the gap between global research and local innovation is not just a strategic priority; it’s a public mandate.

For many public health institutions, navigating the vast and fragmented landscape of scientific literature can be a significant barrier. Researchers and technical teams often face delays in accessing peer-reviewed studies, struggle with siloed information systems, or lack the tools to efficiently integrate new findings into their workflows. These challenges can slow down R&D, complicate regulatory submissions, and ultimately delay the delivery of critical health solutions to the populations that need them most.

Like many public health institutions, Bio-Manguinhos, a key player in Brazil’s public health ecosystem, faced these barriers head-on. By rethinking how teams' access and apply scientific research, the organisation not only accelerated innovation but also created a scalable model for others navigating similar challenges. The experience of Bio-Manguinhos offers practical insights for organisations facing similar challenges.

Turning information overload into actionable insight

Public health organizations working at the intersection of science, policy and service delivery face increasing pressure to stay current with global research across diverse disciplines, from virology and immunology to manufacturing and regulatory science. Operating under tight timelines and limited resources, these institutions rely on timely, relevant scientific literature to inform decision-making and drive innovation.

Yet many teams still depend on fragmented systems for research discovery, open-access sources, institutional repositories, and informal sharing networks. This patchwork approach is often time-consuming and inconsistent, making it difficult to integrate new findings into workflows efficiently. The result is slower R&D cycles, challenges in regulatory documentation and delays in delivering health solutions to the populations that need them most.

To overcome these barriers, Bio-Manguinhos implemented a more connected approach to research access. By leveraging curated databases such as AdisInsight, the organisation enabled reliable, immediate access to the latest global research, supporting innovation in vaccines, diagnostics and biopharmaceuticals.

"COVID-19 showed the world that we need to collaborate in different networks that are somehow interconnected. However, most data was still proprietary, and we needed a new paradigm to work around that, so we could move even faster, as much as possible, on a safe ground.” - Beatriz Fialho, Head of Competitive Intelligence at Bio-Manguinhos

This shift allows teams to:

  • Rapidly validate hypotheses with current findings
  • Avoid duplication by building on existing studies
  • Strengthen the scientific foundation of regulatory submissions
  • Foster collaboration across R&D, quality and compliance functions

As one project lead at Bio-Manguinhos described it: “We’re no longer starting from scratch; we’re building on the shoulders of global science.” This was particularly evident in the development of new diagnostic kits, where faster access to studies on viral mutations and detection methods enabled quicker iteration, confident validation and faster time to market.

From faster insights to broader impact

While R&D teams often see the most immediate gains, the ripple effects are felt organization wide. Regulatory affairs teams can support submissions with up-to-date citations. Quality assurance teams reference the latest methodologies. Even onboarding and training improved, as new staff gain easier access to foundational and current literature. As one stakeholder put it, “It’s not just the researchers who benefit regulatory, quality and even training teams now have the resources they need at their fingertips.”

What makes this approach particularly relevant for mission-driven organizations is its scalability and adaptability. Whether a national vaccine producer, a diagnostics lab, or a public research institute, the ability to connect teams with trusted, timely research is a foundational enabler of innovation. And it doesn’t require a complete overhaul of systems. Often, it’s about removing friction, making it easier for people to find what they need, when they need it and use it effectively. That might mean integrating access into existing workflows, offering training on discovery tools or ensuring that licensing models reflect the realities of public sector work.

Ultimately, it’s about amplifying impact. When institutions can move faster, collaborate smarter, and innovate with confidence, the effects extend far beyond the lab. They reach communities, strengthen health systems and accelerate progress toward global health goals.

Lessons for the future of public health innovation

As public health challenges grow more complex, the need for agile, evidence-based innovation will only intensify. Institutions that invest in research connectivity today are better positioned to respond to tomorrow’s crises and to lead in shaping a healthier future. The experience of Bio-Manguinhos offers several practical insights for organizations considering a similar shift:

  • Start with the user: Understand how teams currently access and use research and identify the biggest friction points in their workflows.
  • Think beyond content: Access is essential, but so is usability. Tools should be intuitive, integrated and aligned with how people actually work.
  • Measure what matters: Go beyond usage metrics. Track how improved access accelerates projects, enhances quality or supports strategic goals.
  • Build for the long term: Choose solutions that can evolve with the organization and adapt to changing research needs and institutional priorities.

In the race to develop life-saving vaccines and diagnostics, timely access to the right scientific knowledge can be the difference between delay and delivery. For public health institutions worldwide, bridging global research with local innovation is increasingly essential. Take a closer look at the full case study for more detailed view of how Bio-Manguinhos approached this transformation and how similar strategies can help other public health institutions strengthen research access, accelerate innovation and deliver greater impact across their communities.

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Saskia Hoving

Author: Saskia Hoving

Editor-in-Chief

In the Dordrecht office, Saskia Hoving is Editor-in-Chief of The Link Newsletter and The Link Blog, covering trends & insights for all facilitators of research. Focusing on the evolving role of libraries regarding SDGs, Open Science, and researcher support, she explores academia's intersection with societal progress. With a lifelong passion for sports and recent exploration into "Women's inclusion in today's science", Saskia brings dynamic insights to her work.