Work

Side effects of problem-solving strategies in large-scale nutrition science: towards a diversification of health

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: Solving complex problems in large-scale research programmes requires cooperation and division of labour. Simultaneously, large-scale problem solving also gives rise to unintended side effects. Based upon 5 years of researching two large-scale nutrigenomic research programmes, we argue that problems are fragmented in order to be solved. These sub-problems are given priority for practical reasons and in the process of solving them, various changes are introduced in each sub-problem. Combined with additional diversity as a result of interdisciplinarity, this makes reassembling the original and overall goal of the research programme less likely. In the case of nutrigenomics and health, this produces a diversification of health. As a result, the public health goal of contemporary nutrition science is not reached in the large-scale research programmes we studied. Large-scale research programmes are very successful in producing scientific publications and new knowledge; however, in reaching their political goals they often are less successful.

Source: British Journal Of Nutrition

DOI: 10.1017/s0007114509990651

Authors: Bart Penders, Rein Vos, Klasien Horstman

Institutions: Radboud University Nijmegen, Maastricht University, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Eindhoven University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration

Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek