Rapid Research Needs Appraisals

The RRNA objective is to rapidly, systematically and transparently identify gaps in the published evidence base which align with predefined research domains. This provides a comprehensive overview of existing evidence, highlighting gaps to inform management, prioritisation and coordination of research for outbreak preparedness and response. The RRNA methodology is derived from systematic evidence review methodologies and developed in a modular and adaptable way as and when appropriate for specific diseases, pathogens and context. It is aimed at strengthening capacity for rapidly and robustly assessing existing evidence for new and emerging priority diseases where the evidence-base is limited. 

The focus of the RRNAs has been determined by specific requests, gaps or needs for high priority pathogen families in alignment with our modular methodology. Some RRNAs presented have been targeted, e.g. by limiting to a few domains, or by data prioritisation, whereby if higher level of evidence (e.g. a systematic review) fully addresses a domain, then lower level of evidence may not be extracted. Only primary studies are presented in the visualisations below.

The full RRNA datasets can be accessed at Figshare or downloaded from the relevant visualisations (below). Pandemic PACT's RRNA project will be completed in August 2026.

• Associated publications
• Open-access protocol