The project combines qualitative and quantitative research methods
Fieldwork – interviews conducted
- UK : 34 interviews
- France : 35 interviews
- EU/other: 12 interviews
Datasets produced
- Firm database – includes basic information on firms such as size, location and year of founding; financial data including funding rounds and turnover; and information on products marketed and in development and business models. The database currently includes @ 550 firms. A secondary dataset derived from this focuses on firms in the cancer screening / early detection sector and comprises 75 active firms and 122 tests. From this we have selected 30 firms/technologies for which we are gathering more in-depth data.
Scientometrics
- We have produced multiple bibliometric datasets, that allow us to explore the changing nature of cancer research, and more specifically research on cancer screening / early detection.
30 firm/technology datasets – for each of the 30 firms/technologies we have compiled general information about the firm’s history, including financial data, such as investment rounds and
- Bibliometric dataset comprising scientific papers
- Intellectual property dataset comprising patents
- Regulatory dataset comprising regulatory decisions
Two key goals for our project were to help develop a broader programme of research on the political economy of diagnostic innovation through collaborations with other scholars and to inform public policy through engagement with policymakers. In 2018 we organised three international meetings in collaboration with Professor Fiona Miller, University of Toronto and Professor Steve Sturdy, University of Edinburgh.
Regulating Diagnostics workshop, January 5, 2018, Cambridge.
This event brought together scholars from Europe, North America and Brazil. The workshop allowed for sharing of data and discussion of theoretical/methodological approaches among social scientists working on the regulation of diagnostics.
Celebrating 50 years of Wilson and Jungner at 50 - workshop. 18-19 June 2018, London.
Our project focuses on a specific type of diagnostic application: screening / early detection of cancer. We are investigating how screening is governed, as part of our broader interest in the dynamic of regulatory expansion in the diagnostics sector.This workshop brought together policymakers from Asia Pacific, Europe and N America to share the experience and understanding of those currently engaged in the work of screening governance.
Regulation of Laboratory-Developed Tests – policy workshop 20 June 2018, London.
This workshop brought together current and former regulatory officials from Australia, the USA, UK and Ireland to discuss the regulation of laboratory-developed tests.
International early detection summer school, July 2018 Cambridge. This educational event was organised by the CRUK Cambridge Centre Early Detection Programme. The aim was to give scientists involved in the development of new technologies for screening/early detection of cancer, greater insight into the practical challenges of diagnostic test development.The PI helped to organise the programme, in particular the sessions on regulation and on bioethics.
The future of In-Vitro Diagnostics – a Regulatory Perspective. 15 February 2018, University of Cambridge. This research seminar was aimed at people in academia and industry involved in the development of new diagnostic tests. It included talks by the PI, Dr Alberto Gutierrez (former FDA director) and Dr Robyn Meurant of the World Health Organisation.
We have participated in workshops and conferences in Australia, Italy, Netherlands, Poland and the UK. Highlights includ the PI being an invited speaker at a WHO Conference on Screening in February 2020.
