The Strategy for Health Research emphasises a partnership approach to developing a thriving research culture in the health services, a partnership between health agencies, third level institutions, the research charities and the healthcare industry. The framework proposed in this document is built on the foundation of partnership and provides a structure for much greater co-operation between the interests involved. It also recognises the added value to be gained from co-operation in research for the island of Ireland as a whole.

The core proposals in this document are for a strengthening of support for scientific research for health and the development of an innovative research and development function in the health services. These proposals are complementary and mutually supportive. Funding for both strands of the research strategy will be allocated according to the principle of competitive peer review to ensure quality and value for money.