Research Priority Setting

Abstract

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is the primary supporter of stroke research in the United States, investing more than $200 million annually in research to advance our understanding of the biology, causes, and risk factors of stroke; to develop effective prevention and treatment approaches; and to identify strategies to improve recovery and rehabilitation. In 2012, the NINDS completed a 2-phase planning process to identify the highest priority research areas in stroke. During the past decade, comprehensive reports from the NINDS Stroke Progress Review Group have provided valuable guidance to stroke investigators and the NINDS, shaping the national research agenda and helping the research community work together to advance stroke science. The third report from the Stroke Progress Review Group was made public in January 2012.1 This report served as the foundation for a prioritization process designed to identify a small set of the most promising research opportunities, with the potential to lead to significant advances if addressed with a focused effort during the next 5 to 10 years. Broad input was sought from the public and the research community through a request for information. Three working groups of scientific experts representing prevention, treatment, and recovery research participated in a Delphi-like review and rating process to identify the strongest ideas presented in the ≈180 request for information proposals received. Top priorities were then discussed, rerated, and strengthened at the Stroke Research Priorities Meeting held on August 29 and 30, 2012. Through this process, each of the working groups delivered 2 or 3 proposals, as well as 1 joint proposal (cross-cutting), that represent combined, modified, and optimized versions of the best ideas. An advisory workgroup of the NINDS Advisory Council, composed of scientific experts, stroke advocates, and stroke association representatives, led the overall process. Stroke poses a …