Operational research in the field of public health, meant as the study of strategies, inventions, tools and knowledge that can improve the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services, is taking on growing importance, essential for planning strategies and invention to improve the healthcare system.

Especially in low-income and middle-income countries, research is often not matched with actual implementation. Much can be done in this area by the European Union to support operational research, which in turn fosters connections between organizations with technical expertise in the field and national public health programs.

This was discussed at the workshop organized in May 2014 by the European Parliament – Science and Technology Options Assessment Body (STOA) with a commitment for the European Union to act for real change.