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:: Volume 29, Issue 7 (Special Issue 2025) ::
Feyz Med Sci J 2025, 29(7): 679-687 Back to browse issues page
Performance of comprehensive research laboratories in Iranian universities of medical sciences; challenges and practical strategies for strengthening infrastructure and enhancing efficiency: A policy brief
Narges Pirani , Shirin Jalalinia , Mehrnoush Pashaei , Shahin Akhondzadeh *
Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , S.AKHOND@NEDA.NET
Abstract:   (127 Views)
In recent decades, the role of research laboratories in knowledge generation, support for clinical and basic research, and the enhancement of healthcare quality has become increasingly prominent. Given the importance of laboratory performance indicators in determining research quality, the present study aimed to analyze the status of research laboratories in Iranian universities of medical sciences based on the 2024 national evaluation program.
This descriptive–analytic, cross-sectional study applied a mixed-methods (quantitative–qualitative) approach, with an emphasis on qualitative data analysis. The sample included 68 medical schools and universities of medical sciences across the country, categorized into four classes according to the Ministry of Health’s classification system (Type I, II, III, and non-affiliated universities).
Six core domains were evaluated to identify strengths and weaknesses: existence of an active website, income-to-cost ratio, external financial support attainment, human resource capacity building, membership in the national strategic laboratory network, and utilization by faculty members.
The findings indicate that although research activities in Iran have grown substantially, the performance of research laboratories has not yet been comprehensively assessed based on practical and measurable performance indicators. Results from the 2024 evaluation show that despite the availability of physical and system infrastructures, challenges persist in performance quality, financial management, and workforce development. Significant financial disparities among universities and heavy reliance on government funding emerged as key barriers to laboratory efficiency.
Adopting diversified financial models, strengthening university–industry collaboration, and implementing targeted support policies could substantially improve the quality and financial sustainability of the national research laboratory network. 
Keywords: Laboratory, Research, Performance, Iran, Policy Brief
Full-Text [PDF 847 kb]   (34 Downloads)    
Type of Study: Policy Brief | Subject: General
Received: 2025/12/6 | Revised: 2026/04/8 | Accepted: 2026/02/15 | Published: 2026/03/15
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Pirani N, Jalalinia S, Pashaei M, Akhondzadeh S. Performance of comprehensive research laboratories in Iranian universities of medical sciences; challenges and practical strategies for strengthening infrastructure and enhancing efficiency: A policy brief. Feyz Med Sci J 2025; 29 (7) :679-687
URL: http://feyz.kaums.ac.ir/article-1-5459-en.html


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Volume 29, Issue 7 (Special Issue 2025) Back to browse issues page
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