The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) epidemic serves as a stark reminder that pandemics, similar to other unexpected diseases, have occurred in the past and will continue to do so in the future.[1] In the fight against the virus, healthcare professionals and scientists are on the front lines. Furthermore, because of the complexities of COVID-19, this epidemic has caused havoc in the scientific community. The COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant detrimental impact on the scientific community, forcing the closure of universities, research institutes, and laboratories. Most scientific activities, including national and international conferences, symposiums, seminars, and training programs, have been canceled or postponed.[2,3]
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a significant burden on the clinical research sector and is expected to impact key study findings. During the early phases of the pandemic, most investigations came to a halt. Both researchers and participant populations appreciate remote intervention through phone, email, and the electronic health record portal, which might impact key study outcomes.[4] The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on Iran. The virus spread over all 31 provinces of the country, resulting in the highest number of cases and deaths among the 22 Eastern Mediterranean nations.[5]
Several actions were taken to prevent the spread of the disease immediately after the first outbreak in Iran (March 23, 2020), including curfew and city lockdown, closure of religious places (e.g., mosques and holy shrines), schools, universities, offices, and the judiciary system, which resulted in the outbreak temporarily declining.[6] Iran is subject to further restrictions as a result of the sanctions, which has exacerbated the situation.[7]
Several variables influenced the status of scientific research initiatives after Iran's revolution in 1979. The Iran–Iraq war in 1980–88 changed Iran's strategy toward allocating financial resources for educating physicians and paramedics rather than research initiatives; brain drain (i.e., emigration of educated individuals) and sanctions were among these causes.[8] Iran's inability to export oil and the country's financial and economic woes have resulted in a reduction in the country's research budget, which is anticipated to continue in the future years. Iranian health research institutes are substantially reliant on government funding. Because of the current economic problems, funds and research grants are delayed in being paid to researchers and research institutes.[9]
Previous studies have found that Iranian academics struggle to get high-quality resources and equipment for their research projects and to conduct unique research. Previous studies also revealed the challenges of accessing laboratory materials during sanctions.[10,11] Sanctions have mostly limited the ability to purchase laboratory equipment and supplies.[12]
Researchers conducting secondary studies such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses and scientometric studies do not need to acquire materials or equipment or operate in research centers or laboratories. Despite COVID-19 sanctions and barriers, guiding researchers to secondary studies, including systematic review and meta-analysis (SR/MA), seems to lead to credible evidence and turns this challenge into an opportunity. On the other hand, Iranian educational policymakers should support scientometric and SR/MA research projects and publications less influenced by economic sanctions and the COVID-19 epidemic. Supporting researchers who are active in SR/MA studies, being involved in international collaboration, and adopting research grants for conducting SR/MA studies can be a way to support secondary studies.
Financial support and sponsorship
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Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
References
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