Profiles
Professor Mona Nasser
Director Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research (PIHR)
Faculty of Health
Professor Mona Nasser can be contacted through arrangement with our Press Office, to speak to the media on these areas of expertise.
- Dentistry
- Evidence-based practice
- Systematic reviews
- Health technology assessment
Email publicrelations@plymouth.ac.uk to enquire.
Biography
Biography
Current roles and responsibilities:
- Director of Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research (PIHR);
- Professor in Clinical Epidemiology and Oral Health Research (Dental School, University of Plymouth);
- Co-lead of Oral health services, workforce development and clinical epidemiology research group;
- QUEST Visiting Fellow (2023) QUEST Center - BIH at Charité (bihealth.org);
- NIHR Oral and Dental Specialty Lead South West Peninsula Clinical Research Network;
- Lead/contact point for Dental academic clinical fellows at University of Plymouth;
- Co-Convenor, Cochrane Priority setting Methods Group;
- Member of the founding steering group, Evidence based Research Network
Qualifications
- MSc in Astrophysics, Liverpool John Moores University (expected 2024) (Dissertation: How does a neural network model for measuring spatial inclination of spiral galaxies perform against more traditional models of measuring inclination of spiral galaxies)
- PhD (Health Services Research/Clinical Epidemiology) 2018 Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth (Dissertation: Setting priorities for conducting and updating systematic reviews)
- Postgraduate certificate (PgCert) Clinical Education 2013 University of Plymouth
- MSc in Dental Public Health, 2009, University of London (King's College of London) (Dissertation: Patient record systems in Dentistry: a systematic review)
- DDS (Doctorate in Dental Surgery), 2005, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU) (Tehran, Iran) (Dissertation: Antimicrobial Activity of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), Portland cement and Calcium Hydroxide against five oral microorganisms - in partnership with Pasteur Institute in Tehran).
Other Training:
- Interactive Space Programme 2020 (ISP20), International Space University – 2020
- Data Science Programmes (PenARC Health Services Modelling Associate Programme)
- Building Cost-effectiveness Models for Health Technology Assessment – CPD course (Sheffield University)
- Social Design, Society, Visual Design and Code (School of Machines, Making and Make Believe)
- Medical Bodies (School of Machines, Making and Make Believe)
- Certificate in Bi-functional Prosthetic System, BPS-Brand Prosthetic (Education Centre of Ivoclar Vivadent, Tehran, Iran)
- Certificate in Aesthetic Dentistry (Education Centre of Ivoclar Vivadent, Tehran, Iran)
Dr Mona Nasser DDS, MSc, PhD, FHEA
I am a trained dentist, clinical epidemiologist, oral health researcher, and interdisciplinary methodology. I have more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, primarily research articles in journals, including well-known ones like Lancet and BMJ. With around 20 years of experience in health, medical, and dental research, health policy, evidence synthesis, health technology assessment, evidence-based health information, and providing consultancy and advice for national and international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Institute of Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), and Public Health Organizations, I have a substantial background. I have collaborated with policymakers, patients, professionals, and the general public in setting research priorities and designing and conducting studies. My expertise extends to facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, artists, engineers, and others as part of scientific and artistic projects.
Currently, I am a visiting fellow at the Berlin Institute of Health/QUEST Centre, working with Prof. Ulrich Dirnagl's group on methods for appraising and synthesizing in-vitro studies in a systematic review. Prior to joining the dental school, I served as a research associate and methodologist in the Department of Health Information at the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), the German equivalent of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK. My work focused on assessing evidence to inform reports commissioned by the Federal Joint Committee (GBA). During my tenure at IQWiG, I co-authored a report commissioned by the Commonwealth Fund, comparing evidence-based healthcare processes in France, Germany, England, and Australia to inform the Comparative Effectiveness Bill in the USA.
I have received recognition for my contributions, including the Bill Silverman Prize (Cochrane Collaboration) and the British Dental Editors Forum (BDEF) Young Dental Communication Award (BDJ). Additionally, I was awarded a scholarship from the European Space Agency to attend ISP20. I was the REF coordinator for UoA3 for REF2021 and was included both in REF 2014 and REF 2021 (in both cases, I have submitted an impact case study). My impact case study for REF 2014 (“Advancing methods for prioritizing health research”) was praised by the REF panel for its reach and significance - “Some of the case studies were considered to be of very considerable impact in terms of their reach and significance, especially in relation to genetic counseling competencies and prioritizing health research.” My 2021 REF impact study outlines the impact of my work on policies and processes of health research funders to add value to research.
I am also a reviewer for UK and European funding agencies and for BMJ open, Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, Nature Communication, and other journals.
Current Research:
I am the Director of Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research (PIHR). I co-lead a research group around “Oral health services, workforce development and clinical epidemiology research group”. We are soon launching the Artificial iNtelliGence and roboticS in denTistry (ANGST) lab“.
My research uses an interdisciplinary approach to investigate complex challenges in dental care and similar environments along with designing, piloting, implementing, and evaluating interventions to address the challenges. I focus on challenges that require an interdisciplinary approach to both understanding the issues and addressing them. I currently focus on two larger areas:
a) Dental Health Services Research with a focus on tailoring health services or care for vulnerable population and technologies that can support that. We are looking at digital dimensions of affective intelligence in clinical care and training;
b) Space Medicine and Bioastronautics Research with areas of focus on impact of spaceflight environment on craniofacial and dental structures and using systematic reviews to inform operational procedures.
I also focuses on specific methodological areas:
- Research Priority Setting (with a focus on how to be inclusive and diverse)
- Tools to appraise and synthesis in-vitro studies in systematic reviews
- Developing methodologies for systematic reviews in space medicine research
- Developing methods to study decision making in health care in different (often complex) context
Active Projects:
Teaching and other engagements
I have led, designed, and taught modules on critical appraisal, evidence based I have led, designed, and taught modules on critical appraisal, evidence-based healthcare, systematic reviews, and decision-making as part of the BDS undergraduate program, Physician Associate program, MBA in Healthcare, and MClinRes at the University of Plymouth. I was a visiting lecturer at Modena University, teaching research priority setting as part of an MSc program. Additionally, I have taught research methods, systematic reviews, evidence-based health, and evidence-based policy-making in universities and research institutes worldwide, including in Turkey, Brazil, Iran, Bahrain, Germany, the UK, and other countries. I have developed several mentorship programs to enhance capacity in communities with limited expertise and knowledge.
I am a futurist and have developed an approach to conduct immersive futuristic workshops that incorporate uncertainties in scientific knowledge and social and cultural issues, embedding them in a scientific fiction story. This approach, called MetaFuturism, can be explored further at this link
I have organized MetaFuturism workshops for institutions such as Torbay Hospital, Rhode Island School of Design (USA), Royal Institute for Theatre and Cinema & Sound (Brussels, Belgium), EDGE conference, Cochrane Colloquium (2018), International Space University (Online), Wearable Technology Hackathon (organized by the University of the Philippines Open University), and Space Lab.
I have extensive leadership experience. I have led and co-founded several international initiatives, such as The Cochrane Priority Setting Methods Group and the Evidence-Based Research Network. I was previously involved in founding and co-founding the Cochrane Developing Countries Network and served as a Board Member (Trustee) of the Cochrane Collaboration from 2011 to 2017.
I maintain an active Twitter account @monalisa1n and manage other accounts for specific projects, such as @capsmg. I also have a blog (http://monanasser.wordpress.com) and occasionally curate other Twitter accounts like @realscientists or @wepublichealth.
Outside of work, I am a visual artist (www.monanasser.org/ Instagram: @evidencepilot). I co-founded an artistic collaboration called MetaFuturism (www.metafuturism.net). As part of these initiatives, I have designed several immersive futurism workshops in Belgium, the UK, and virtual events and hackathons. I have contributed to two art installations/performances: EXOMOON and Biomodd [ABD14].
I am a certified Iyengar yoga teacher and have taught adults and children yoga.
I am also a PPL (private pilot license) pilot, skydiver, and paraglider. I have participated in a four-way skydiving competition Rookie team and flew navigational flights between UK and France.
Qualifications
- MSc in Astrophysics, Liverpool John Moores University (expected 2024) (Dissertation: How does a neural network model for measuring spatial inclination of spiral galaxies perform against more traditional models of measuring inclination of spiral galaxies)
- PhD (Health Services Research/Clinical Epidemiology) 2018 Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth (Dissertation: Setting priorities for conducting and updating systematic reviews)
- Postgraduate certificate (PgCert) Clinical Education 2013 University of Plymouth
- MSc in Dental Public Health, 2009, University of London (King's College of London) (Dissertation: Patient record systems in Dentistry: a systematic review)
- DDS (Doctorate in Dental Surgery), 2005, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU) (Tehran, Iran) (Dissertation: Antimicrobial Activity of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), Portland cement and Calcium Hydroxide against five oral microorganisms - in partnership with Pasteur Institute in Tehran).
Professional membership
- Fellow of Higher Education Academy
- The Cochrane Collaboration
- Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)
- World Association of Medical Editors (WAME)
- Medical Council Foundation of I.R. Iran
Roles on external bodies
Other roles:
- Co-convenor, Cochrane Priority Setting Methods Group
- Steering Group member, Evidence based Research Network
- NIHR Oral and Dental Specialty Lead South West Peninsula Clinical Research Network
- QUEST Visiting Fellow (2023) QUEST Center - BIH at Charité (bihealth.org)
- Editorial Board, Evidence based Dentistry Journal
- Subject Editor, Cochrane Evidence and Methods Journal
- Member of Methods Board, Cochrane Collaboration
Key publications
(2020) 'Designing clinical trials for future space missions as a pathway to changing how clinical trials are conducted on Earth' J Evid Based Med 13, (2) 153-160 , DOI Open access
(2018) 'Global health trials methodological research agenda: results from a priority setting exercise' Trials 19, (1) , DOI Open access
(2015) 'Ethics and equity in research priority-setting: stakeholder engagement and the needs of disadvantaged groups' Indian J Med Ethics 12, (2) 110-113 , DOI Open access
(2015) 'Identifying otolaryngology systematic review research gaps: comparing Global Burden of Disease 2010 results with Cochrane Database of Systematic Review content' JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 141, (1) 67-72 , DOI
(2014) 'Global burden of skin disease as reflected in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews' JAMA Dermatol 150, (9) 945-951 , DOI
(2022) 'Research priority setting related to older adults: a scoping review to inform the Cochrane-Campbell Global Ageing Partnership work programme' BMJ Open 12, (9) , DOI Open access
Teaching
Teaching
Teaching interests
Critical Appraisal Topics (CAT) Dissertation Module for MSc programmes in Dentistry (restorative dentistry, periodontal surgery, minor oral surgery)
Academic Tutor
Teaching philosophy
I am dedicated to find better ways to teach research methods that is accessible to a wider range of individuals without loss of depth, subtlety or nuance. I have a variation of roles as module lead, tutor, facilitator, supervisor and mentor in my teaching career and I use a combination of lectures, plenaries, interactive workshops and hands-on exercise to deliver most of my teaching. I tap into the knowledge and expertise in performing arts to find better ways to engage students and use the space and knowledge from visual arts and interactive design to identify better visual tools and objects in teaching. I recently have worked with different groups of students on using speculative scenario along with real-life scenario to more efficiency teach them more complex topics e.g. methodological topics that need to consider values and preferences of a diversity of stakeholders. I ensure that my teaching is based on the best available evidence and research.
I have a lot of experience using a range of media and collaborating with artists and designers in teaching and research projects. So I engage with students and researchers beyond the teaching classroom in social media or other platform to enhance engagement, crowdsourcing educational support and life-long learning.
Academic Tutor
Teaching philosophy
I am dedicated to find better ways to teach research methods that is accessible to a wider range of individuals without loss of depth, subtlety or nuance. I have a variation of roles as module lead, tutor, facilitator, supervisor and mentor in my teaching career and I use a combination of lectures, plenaries, interactive workshops and hands-on exercise to deliver most of my teaching. I tap into the knowledge and expertise in performing arts to find better ways to engage students and use the space and knowledge from visual arts and interactive design to identify better visual tools and objects in teaching. I recently have worked with different groups of students on using speculative scenario along with real-life scenario to more efficiency teach them more complex topics e.g. methodological topics that need to consider values and preferences of a diversity of stakeholders. I ensure that my teaching is based on the best available evidence and research.
I have a lot of experience using a range of media and collaborating with artists and designers in teaching and research projects. So I engage with students and researchers beyond the teaching classroom in social media or other platform to enhance engagement, crowdsourcing educational support and life-long learning.
Staff serving as external examiners
Examiner for PhDs - University of Sydney (Australia), University of Western Australia and Bond University (Australia)
Research
Research
Research interests
My research employs an interdisciplinary approach to investigate complex challenges in dental care and similar environments. I focus on designing, piloting, implementing, and evaluating interventions to address these challenges, particularly those that necessitate an interdisciplinary perspective for both understanding and resolution.
In my role as a methodologist and consultant, I have gained experience in a variety of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including:
- Methodologies for setting priorities for research
- Meta-Research (research on research) studies
- Designing and validating quality assessment and reporting guidelines for primary studies (clinical and pre-clinical)
- Randomised controlled studies (RCTs)
- Systematic reviews (SR) (SR of RCTs, SR of qualitative studies, SR of human, animal, and in-vitro studies, using machine learning and crowdsourcing in systematic reviews, systematic reviews in space medicine)
- Consensus approaches and stakeholder engagement (Delphi approach, nominal approach, co-creation approaches)
- Observational studies
- Interdisciplinary studies, especially bridging disciplines that traditionally do not collaborate. This includes SciArt collaboration.
- Futurism/Future research
- Qualitative methods (semi-structured interviews, Q methodology, etc.)
- Mixed-Methods research and analysis
Currently, my research focuses on two primary areas:
Dental Health Services Research: I concentrate on tailoring health services or care for vulnerable populations and explore technologies that can support these efforts. Specifically, we are examining the digital dimensions of affective intelligence in clinical care and training.
Space Medicine and Bioastronautics Research: Here, I investigate the impact of the spaceflight environment on craniofacial and dental structures. I also work on methodological developments to utilize systematic reviews to inform operational procedures.
In addition to these content areas, I concentrate on specific methodological aspects, including:
- Research Priority Setting (with a focus on inclusivity and diversity)
- Tools to appraise and synthesize in-vitro studies in systematic reviews
- Developing methodologies for systematic reviews in space medicine research
- Creating methods to study decision-making in healthcare across diverse and often complex contexts.
Space Medicine and Bioastronautics Research: I investigate the impact of the spaceflight environment on craniofacial and dental structures. I utilize systematic reviews to inform operational procedures.
Active Projects:
Systematic Threat Analysis of Radiation from Space (STARS) project – a project with a collaborative team of researchers from CAMARADES Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health @ Charité along with researchers and interns based in the Space Medicine Team of European Astronaut Centre/European Space Agency (ESA) researchers based in University of Glasgow and UPOU (Philippines)
- Systematic review on impact of ionising radiation on human biology: The review is in partnership with members of the Space Medicine Team of European Astronaut Centre (a) Non-neoplastic effects of ionising radiation on central nervous system - a systematic review (b) Are there sex differences in susceptibility to ionising radiation. (c) the impact of space environment on jaw movement (d) impact of space environment on craniofacial and dental structures;
- Crowdsourcing to facilitate the screening of systematic reviews of clinical, animal and in-vitro studies: Piloting and evaluating using crowdsourcing to engage with members of public in screening the data for a systematic review of clinical, animal and in-vitro studies. The project is conducted in collaboration with UPOU.
- Machine learning for systematic reviews: The project involves developing and piloting an automated article screening for systematic review of clinical, animal and in-vitro studies.
- Modelling exercises on using satellites remote sensing data to predict pandemics/epidemics involving stakeholders: this is a systematic review focusing on identifying, appraising and mapping modelling exercises on how remote sensing data are used to predict or monitor outbreaks or epidemics in modelling exercises. In different stages of the project, the team works together with stakeholders from NASA, WHO and other policy and public health organizational or satellite companies.
Further information available: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/isecs
Feasibility of Human Physiological and Cognitive Responses in Extreme Analogue Environments: Multidisciplinary Investigations into Vision, Perception, Masticatory Functions and Environmental Empathy as part of Caving Analog Mission: Ocean, Earth, Space (CAMões):
The project involves a series of experiments to investigate the feasibility of a series of experiments around vision, perception, masticatory functions and environmental empathy in a caving analogue mission.
Further information available: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/isecs
Monitoring the human brain during Space Flight: Mitigating Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome
Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) is a well documented form of neuropathology unique to the microgravity environment, and known to lead to raised intracranial pressure due to dynamic cranial fluid shifts that occur in microgravity conditions. Numerous approaches are necessary to investigate SANS and to identify the best way to monitor the brain in the space environment. Dr Jon Sen will be joining the group and undertaking an M.D. degree under supervision of Professor Mona Nasser, Dr Daniela Oehring, and Professor Stephen Hall. He is working on evaluating the usage of multi-modal monitoring of the brain of astronauts during spaceflight, including Pupillometry, optic nerve sheath ultrasound, cerebral blood flow and other techniques, and how they can be optimised for the space environment and for reliability.
The experiments are part of a series of projects in collaboration Nebula Research & Development, Jeddah, with the Saudi Space Agency, and taking place on SpaceX and Axiom missions launching from NASA space centres during 2023 and 2024.
Further information available: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/isecs
Dental Health Services Research - I concentrate on tailoring health services or care for vulnerable populations and explore technologies that can support these efforts. Specifically, we are examining the digital dimensions of affective intelligence in clinical care and training.
Active Projects
Anxious ‘tells’: Working with patients and dentists to reveal signs and triggers of stress and anxiety in the clinic (AngsT)(funded by Medical Protection Society)
AngST is a collaboration between researchers in dentistry, medical simulation, and art and media technology at the University. The project started out in response to a set of video recordings of dental treatments that had been made for a previous piece of research in dentistry that used video ethnography. Our team, who had collaborated on medical simulation projects before, were curious about what this footage could tell them about creating simulated experiences that could help to train dentists. We were particularly interested about what the recordings could tell us about patient anxiety, particularly the things we could detect that would allow us to predict how anxious people were feeling.
Our project will invite dentists and their patients to record dental sessions so that we can explore these complex dimensions of dental practice and debrief in about their experiences in a conversation with a researcher.
Further information available: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/angst
PRIDE project - Privacy-preserving Robotics in Dentistry
This project is an interdisciplinary initiative between dentistry, robotics and cyber security. Socially-assistive robots have been used in other settings e.g. dementia and autism with positive results in supporting patients in performing tasks or reducing anxiety. There were smaller studies done on children in dentistry demonstrating that it can help them to cope with anxiety and stress better. However, there is a number of areas of dental care especially with challenging patients that socially-assistive robots can be helpful. We are currently working with different groups to identify these areas, design and adapt the intervention and evaluate their effectiveness. We also take cyber security aspects into account, aiming at designing and providing a secure robotics system for dental care.
Further information available: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/privacy-preserving-robotics-in-dentistry
Oral Health care of children with disability in United Arab Emirates – The PhD project of Shiamaa Al Mashhadani
Projects supported by: ESPRC impact acceleration fund, Turing Network Development project grant, internal strategic investment fund, PIHR institute fund, NIHR academic clinical fellowship programme, MPS foundation.
Research Priority Setting (with a focus on inclusivity and diversity)
Active projects
Cochrane Priority Setting Methods Group: building a community of methodologies focusing on and specialising in methods of research priority setting https://methods.cochrane.org/prioritysetting/
Methods and approaches to engage with individuals from different ethnicities and different language backgrounds in conducting research or setting priorities for research. This project sits as part of the larger international collaboration – Cochrane priority setting methods group – co-founded by mona Nasser and others. The project is part of the PhD projects of two current PhD students – Sumanth Kumbargere and Prashanti Eachempati.
Update on the research funder project – the project led by Jong-wook Ban updating and expanding the survey she did evaluating how research funders responded to the research waste call. As part of the project, it also looks how they manage inclusivity in making decisions on setting priorities for research
Multi Ethno-Linguistic Toolkit (MELT): as part of the Cochrane Priority Setting Methods Group, the team is developing guidance how to engage with multi-ethnical/ multi-language group in setting priorities for research or designing research.
Projects supported by: Internal Policy fund, Brown University Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies Research Seed, NIHR Academic Clinical fellowship programme, EU Cost Action.
Further information available on: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/methodologies-for-agenda-setting-and-research-prioritisation-mars
Tools to appraise and synthesis in-vitro studies in systematic reviews:
Active Projects:
Quality assessment tool for in-vitro studies: As part of the project, we have developed a quality assessment tool for the space medicine reviews along with a checklist for in-vitro studies for the a dental material project. Marieke Dewulf will be working on that through quality assessment of a selective sample of in-vitro studies from the systematic reviews of impact of ionising radiation. Previously, Farima Mehrabi (MSc students in dentistry) developed a quality assessment tool for in-vitro studies included in the Systematic review to assess the effectiveness of mechanical preparation of abutment teeth on the survival of resin bonded bridges
Statistical approaches to synthesis data from in-vitro studies: Piloting and evaluating different approaches to meta-analysis of of data from in-vitro studies in the systematic review of impact of ionising radiation. MSc student, Olufemi Ajipatutu, will be focusing his MSc dissertation on the topic.
Developing methodologies for systematic reviews in space medicine research
Developing methods to study decision making in health care in different (often complex) context
Active Projects:
Part of the project on “NGO decision making during complex disasters: an ecological approach” led by Pamela Cajilig– the project intends to engage with local managers and field workers to understand how they responded to the complex situation of covid along with other disasters in Philippines
Understanding how people interpret and respond to uncertainties in oral health -related information: an study among selected multi-ethnic groups in Malaysia – the PhD project of Prashanti Eachempati
Development of a probability based dental restorative risk index – the PhD project of Mark Steven-Howe
Research groups
Other research
Current research students and staff
Becalelis Brodskis, Research Fellow in AngST project (Anxious ‘tells’ (AngST) - University of Plymouth)
Becalelis Brodskis, Research Fellow in AngST project (Anxious ‘tells’ (AngST) - University of Plymouth)
Prashanti Eachempati (Director of studies/PhD) Understanding how people interpret and respond to uncertainties in oral health -related information: an study among selected multi-ethnic groups in Malaysia
Sumanth Kumbargere (Director of Studies/PhD) Equity oriented to set priorities for research
Mark Steven Howe (Director of Studies/PhD) Probability risk index in restorative dentistry
Shiamaa Al Mashhadani (Director of Studies/PhD) Oral Health care of children with disability in United Arab Emirates
Shiamaa Al Mashhadani (Director of Studies/PhD) Oral Health care of children with disability in United Arab Emirates
Dharmendra Selvaratnam (Co-supervisor/ PhD) Visual analysis system to detect and predict the signs of anxiety in healthcare
Nick Perez (Co-supervisor/PhD) Cinematic interface for cognitive exploration in (medical) simulation
Imane Heddi - Academic Clinical Fellows in DCT
Nick Perez (Co-supervisor/PhD) Cinematic interface for cognitive exploration in (medical) simulation
Imane Heddi - Academic Clinical Fellows in DCT
Alexander Pollard - Academic Clinical Fellows in Restorative Dentistry
Research degrees awarded to supervised students
Previous research students and staff:
Nicole Thomas (Director of studies/PhD) Oral Health Literacy Intervention (viva 2022)
Alexander Legge- Academic Clinical Fellow in Primary care/ MClinRes student - The impact of enhanced PPE on clinical performance and communication
Tom Thompson - postdoctoral fellow in oral health inequalities (2020-2021)
Jacqui Knight - Visiting Specialist on the project (Enhancing the acquisition of soft skills, sensitivity and anticipation in training clinical dentists) (2021)
Agatha Haines, Ideas Exchange: Design and the post bio-tech-body(Co-supervisor), PhD as part Cognovo project
Anastasios Plessas (Director of studies), ResM, Impact of stress on the practice of dentistry
Zoe Allen (co-supervisor), PhD, Exploring the referral interface between general dental practice and salaried dental services
Jaysan Charlesford and Martha Paisi: (Postdoctoral fellows in Oral Health Inequality - investigating the impact of a community and patient centred Dental School on the existence and gradient of oral health inequalities in Devon and Cornwall (ICOD project).
Klara Łucznik and Mihaela Taranu - (Postdoctoral fellows) ColLaboratoire 2020 project
Visiting Researchers:
Yvette Gonzalez, MPH, Senior Climate Researcher, Sky Indicators project
Gulcan Tecrili - Health Economist, Turkish Ministry of Health (Supported by Short Scientific Mission (STSM) COST EU Action EVBRES)
Sumanth Kumbargere - Faculty of Dentistry (Manipal University, Melaka campus)
Shiamaa Al Mashhadani - Dental Services Department, Dubai Health Authority
Alexandru-Petru Vasile - Intern, European Space Agency, Cologne, Germany (Supported by Short Scientific Mission (STSM) COST EU Action EVBRES)
Nicole Thomas (Director of studies/PhD) Oral Health Literacy Intervention (viva 2022)
Alexander Legge- Academic Clinical Fellow in Primary care/ MClinRes student - The impact of enhanced PPE on clinical performance and communication
Tom Thompson - postdoctoral fellow in oral health inequalities (2020-2021)
Jacqui Knight - Visiting Specialist on the project (Enhancing the acquisition of soft skills, sensitivity and anticipation in training clinical dentists) (2021)
Agatha Haines, Ideas Exchange: Design and the post bio-tech-body(Co-supervisor), PhD as part Cognovo project
Anastasios Plessas (Director of studies), ResM, Impact of stress on the practice of dentistry
Zoe Allen (co-supervisor), PhD, Exploring the referral interface between general dental practice and salaried dental services
Jaysan Charlesford and Martha Paisi: (Postdoctoral fellows in Oral Health Inequality - investigating the impact of a community and patient centred Dental School on the existence and gradient of oral health inequalities in Devon and Cornwall (ICOD project).
Klara Łucznik and Mihaela Taranu - (Postdoctoral fellows) ColLaboratoire 2020 project
Visiting Researchers:
Yvette Gonzalez, MPH, Senior Climate Researcher, Sky Indicators project
Gulcan Tecrili - Health Economist, Turkish Ministry of Health (Supported by Short Scientific Mission (STSM) COST EU Action EVBRES)
Sumanth Kumbargere - Faculty of Dentistry (Manipal University, Melaka campus)
Shiamaa Al Mashhadani - Dental Services Department, Dubai Health Authority
Alexandru-Petru Vasile - Intern, European Space Agency, Cologne, Germany (Supported by Short Scientific Mission (STSM) COST EU Action EVBRES)
Grants & contracts
Awards, contracts & grants:
Principal Investigator, Developing a transferability framework for two systematic reviews of impact of ionising radiation on human biology. UoP NERC “Cross-disciplinary research [CDR] for Discovery Science” Fellowship Awards. 2022 £ 9955
Principal Investigator, Anxious tells: Working with patients and dentists to reveal signs and triggers of stress and anxiety in the clinic (AngST), MPS foundation. £106,000
Co-investigator, NGO decision-making during complex disasters: an ecological approach. Brown University Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies Research Seed Grant 2022 Application. $3000
Principal investigator, STSM Grant, COST Action: CA17117, 2022, Reference: E-COST-GRANT-CA17117-33641c66, € 2184.00
Principal investigator, Privacy-preserving Robotics In DEntistry (PRiDE), ESPRC impact acceleration account, 2022 , £5000
Co-investigator, Privacy-preserving Robotics In DEntistry (PRiDE), Turing Network Development grant, 2022, £1000
Principal investigator, Using systematic review methodology to inform disaster research prediction, Internal policy engagement fund, 2022 £9890
Principal investigator, Developing new technological solutions for conducting systematic reviews to inform policy making: the ionizing radiation case study, Faculty Strategic Investment (SIF) fund, 2022, £9156
Principal investigator, The Digital Dimensions of Affective Intelligence in Clinical Care and Clinical Training, Faculty Strategic Investment (SIF) fund, 2022, £8200
Principal investigator, Design and prototyping a custom-made robots for supporting dental patients, Faculty Strategic Investment (SIF) fund, 2022, £9980
Principal investigator, Haptic dental simulation models – Enhancing the acquisition of soft skills, sensitivity and anticipation in training clinical dentists, Peninsula Institute for Health Research 2021, £3908.70
Scholarship by European Space Agency to attend the Interactive Space Programme 2020 at International Space University £6500
Principal investigator, ColLaboratoire Multiple disciplinary Research Leadership Summer School, Global Challenges Award of Plymouth University £56966
Principal investigator, Supporting Public Health Wales Strategic Focus: Setting the research agenda for Early Years in Wales, £9804
Co-Investigator, EU COST Action, CA17117 - Towards an International Network for Evidence-based Research in Clinical Health Research. 1st Grant Period €113,020.00 EUR, 2nd Grant Period € €178,300.00 , 3rd Grant Period € 151,505.00
Principal Investigator, Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE), Impact of a community and patient-centred dental school on the existence and gradient of oral health inequalities in Devon and Cornwall. £92,922
Co-investigator, Dental Education and Training limited, Developing sustainability in dental practice and education through an action research approach. £8000
Co-investigator, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), A systematic review of physical activity for alcohol and substance use disorders: evidence synthesis with stakeholderengagement to formulate practical recommendations. £149,946
Co-investigator, General Medical Council. Understanding differential attainment across medical training pathways (narrative synthesis). £34,837. 2015
2nd place, British Dental Editors Forum (BDEF) Young Dental Communicator Award 2014.
Co-investigator. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) contract. Production of an evidence review of approaches for conveying oral health promotion messages by dental teams £54,628. 2014-2015.
CO-investigator. ISSR Small Collaborative Award - How can dentistry be sustainable? An exploratory study. £9790 (Co-investigator). 2014-2015.
Co-investigator. EU FP7 Marie Curie Initial Training Network (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-ITN-IDP 604764; 2013-17 €4.1m) "CogNovo: Cognitive Innovation".Denham S (Coordinator, Plymouth University); Harris, Waddington, Hanoch, Dales, Nasser (Plymouth), Katsikopoulos, Beck (Berlin), Djulbegovic (Florida): Project 14. Irrationality and Decision Making.
Bill Silverman Prize 2012 for the research project (Nasser M, Welch V, Tugwell P, Ueffing E, Doyle J, Waters E. Ensuring relevance for Cochrane reviews: evaluating processes and methods for prioritizing topics for Cochrane reviews. J Clin Epidemiol 2012 Apr 19).
Principal investigator, Developing a research programme for empirical studies on health research priority setting methodology awarded by International Research, Networking and Collaboration, Round 3 scheme through University of Plymouth (2011-2012)
Collaborator, A mixed-method study to investigate the referral behaviours and attitudes of NHS general dental practitioners in making referrals from primary dental care to specialist surgical services for the extraction of teeth in North Devon, NHS North Devon (2012)
Co-investigator, Prioritising Cochrane review topics to reduce the know-do gap in low- and middle-income countries, The Cochrane Collaboration prioritisation fund, (2007-2008)
Cochrane Developing Countries Stipend. The Cochrane Collaboration 2007
Silver Medal in National Student Biology Olympiad (Iran), 1999
Principal Investigator, Anxious tells: Working with patients and dentists to reveal signs and triggers of stress and anxiety in the clinic (AngST), MPS foundation. £106,000
Co-investigator, NGO decision-making during complex disasters: an ecological approach. Brown University Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies Research Seed Grant 2022 Application. $3000
Principal investigator, STSM Grant, COST Action: CA17117, 2022, Reference: E-COST-GRANT-CA17117-33641c66, € 2184.00
Principal investigator, Privacy-preserving Robotics In DEntistry (PRiDE), ESPRC impact acceleration account, 2022 , £5000
Co-investigator, Privacy-preserving Robotics In DEntistry (PRiDE), Turing Network Development grant, 2022, £1000
Principal investigator, Using systematic review methodology to inform disaster research prediction, Internal policy engagement fund, 2022 £9890
Principal investigator, Developing new technological solutions for conducting systematic reviews to inform policy making: the ionizing radiation case study, Faculty Strategic Investment (SIF) fund, 2022, £9156
Principal investigator, The Digital Dimensions of Affective Intelligence in Clinical Care and Clinical Training, Faculty Strategic Investment (SIF) fund, 2022, £8200
Principal investigator, Design and prototyping a custom-made robots for supporting dental patients, Faculty Strategic Investment (SIF) fund, 2022, £9980
Principal investigator, Haptic dental simulation models – Enhancing the acquisition of soft skills, sensitivity and anticipation in training clinical dentists, Peninsula Institute for Health Research 2021, £3908.70
Scholarship by European Space Agency to attend the Interactive Space Programme 2020 at International Space University £6500
Principal investigator, ColLaboratoire Multiple disciplinary Research Leadership Summer School, Global Challenges Award of Plymouth University £56966
Principal investigator, Supporting Public Health Wales Strategic Focus: Setting the research agenda for Early Years in Wales, £9804
Co-Investigator, EU COST Action, CA17117 - Towards an International Network for Evidence-based Research in Clinical Health Research. 1st Grant Period €113,020.00 EUR, 2nd Grant Period € €178,300.00 , 3rd Grant Period € 151,505.00
Principal Investigator, Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE), Impact of a community and patient-centred dental school on the existence and gradient of oral health inequalities in Devon and Cornwall. £92,922
Co-investigator, Dental Education and Training limited, Developing sustainability in dental practice and education through an action research approach. £8000
Co-investigator, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), A systematic review of physical activity for alcohol and substance use disorders: evidence synthesis with stakeholderengagement to formulate practical recommendations. £149,946
Co-investigator, General Medical Council. Understanding differential attainment across medical training pathways (narrative synthesis). £34,837. 2015
2nd place, British Dental Editors Forum (BDEF) Young Dental Communicator Award 2014.
Co-investigator. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) contract. Production of an evidence review of approaches for conveying oral health promotion messages by dental teams £54,628. 2014-2015.
CO-investigator. ISSR Small Collaborative Award - How can dentistry be sustainable? An exploratory study. £9790 (Co-investigator). 2014-2015.
Co-investigator. EU FP7 Marie Curie Initial Training Network (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-ITN-IDP 604764; 2013-17 €4.1m) "CogNovo: Cognitive Innovation".Denham S (Coordinator, Plymouth University); Harris, Waddington, Hanoch, Dales, Nasser (Plymouth), Katsikopoulos, Beck (Berlin), Djulbegovic (Florida): Project 14. Irrationality and Decision Making.
Bill Silverman Prize 2012 for the research project (Nasser M, Welch V, Tugwell P, Ueffing E, Doyle J, Waters E. Ensuring relevance for Cochrane reviews: evaluating processes and methods for prioritizing topics for Cochrane reviews. J Clin Epidemiol 2012 Apr 19).
Principal investigator, Developing a research programme for empirical studies on health research priority setting methodology awarded by International Research, Networking and Collaboration, Round 3 scheme through University of Plymouth (2011-2012)
Collaborator, A mixed-method study to investigate the referral behaviours and attitudes of NHS general dental practitioners in making referrals from primary dental care to specialist surgical services for the extraction of teeth in North Devon, NHS North Devon (2012)
Co-investigator, Prioritising Cochrane review topics to reduce the know-do gap in low- and middle-income countries, The Cochrane Collaboration prioritisation fund, (2007-2008)
Cochrane Developing Countries Stipend. The Cochrane Collaboration 2007
Silver Medal in National Student Biology Olympiad (Iran), 1999
Creative practice & artistic projects
Outside of work, I am a visual artist (@evidencepilot). I co-founded an artistic collaboration called MetaFuturism. As part of this, I have designed and run several immersive futurism workshops in Belgium, the UK, and virtual events and hackathons.
I have contributed to two art installations/performances: EXOMOON and Biomodd [ABD14].
Publications
Publications
Key publications
(2020) 'Designing clinical trials for future space missions as a pathway to changing how clinical trials are conducted on Earth' J Evid Based Med 13, (2) 153-160 , DOI Open access
(2018) 'Global health trials methodological research agenda: results from a priority setting exercise' Trials 19, (1) , DOI Open access
(2015) 'Ethics and equity in research priority-setting: stakeholder engagement and the needs of disadvantaged groups' Indian J Med Ethics 12, (2) 110-113 , DOI Open access
(2015) 'Identifying otolaryngology systematic review research gaps: comparing Global Burden of Disease 2010 results with Cochrane Database of Systematic Review content' JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 141, (1) 67-72 , DOI
(2014) 'Global burden of skin disease as reflected in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews' JAMA Dermatol 150, (9) 945-951 , DOI
(2022) 'Research priority setting related to older adults: a scoping review to inform the Cochrane-Campbell Global Ageing Partnership work programme' BMJ Open 12, (9) , DOI Open access
Key publications are highlighted
Journals
Articles
(2023) '‘You Learn to Smile with Your Eyes’, Exploring the Impact of Enhanced Personal Protective Equipment on Primary Care Dental Practitioners in the UK: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study' Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology , DOI Open access
(2023) '<i>Biomodd:</i> The integration of art into transdisciplinary research practices' GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society 32, (1) 144-153 , DOI Open access
(2023) 'Assessing Google Searches for Toothache during COVID-19 Lockdowns' Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran , DOI
(2022) 'Research priority setting related to older adults: a scoping review to inform the Cochrane-Campbell Global Ageing Partnership work programme' BMJ Open 12, (9) , DOI Open access
(2022) 'Preprocedural mouth rinses for preventing transmission of infectious diseases through aerosols in dental healthcare providers' Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2022, (8) , DOI Open access
(2022) 'Evidence based policy making during times of uncertainty through the lens of future policy makers: four recommendations to harmonise and guide health policy making in the future' Archives of Public Health 80, (1) , DOI Open access
(2022) 'Developing an integrated multilevel model of uncertainty in health care: a qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis' BMJ Global Health 7, (5) , DOI Open access
(2022) 'PROTOCOL: Conflict of interest issues when engaging stakeholders in health and healthcare guideline development: a systematic review' Campbell Systematic Reviews 18, (2) , DOI Open access
(2022) 'What do we know about evidence-informed priority setting processes to set population-level health-research agendas: an overview of reviews' Bulletin of the National Research Centre 46, (1) , DOI Open access
(2021) 'Older Patients’ Views of Oral Health Care and Factors which Facilitate or Obstruct Regular Access to Dental Care-Services: A Qualitative Systematic Review' Community Dental Health 38, (2) , DOI Open access
(2021) 'The Potential of Physical Exercise to Mitigate Radiation Damage—A Systematic Review' Frontiers in Medicine 8, , DOI Open access
(2020) 'Preprocedural mouth rinses for preventing transmission of infectious diseases through aerosols in dental healthcare providers' Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , DOI
(2020) 'Interventi per ridurre l’aerosol contaminato prodotto durante le procedure odontoiatriche al fine di prevenire malattie infettive: una revisione Cochrane' Dental Cadmos 88, (10) 656-656 , DOI
(2020) 'Interventions to reduce contaminated aerosols produced during dental procedures for preventing infectious diseases' Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 0, (10) 0-0 , DOI Open access
(2020) 'Physical activity and the prevention, reduction, and treatment of alcohol and other drug use across the lifespan (The PHASE review): A systematic review' Mental Health and Physical Activity 0-0 , DOI Open access
(2020) 'Evidence-Based Research Series-Paper 2 : Using an Evidence-Based Research approach before a new study is conducted to ensure value' Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 129, 158-166 , DOI Open access
(2020) 'Evidence-Based Research Series-Paper 3: Using an Evidence-Based Research approach to place your results into context after the study is performed to ensure usefulness of the conclusion' Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 129, 167-171 , DOI Open access
(2020) 'When to replicate systematic reviews of interventions: consensus checklist' BMJ m2864-m2864 , DOI
(2020) 'Dentists’ perceptions of their professional roles regarding referrals within primary dental care in England: a qualitative study' Community Dental Health 37, (3) , DOI Open access
(2020) 'Qualitative systematic review of the acceptability, feasibility, barriers, facilitators and perceived utility of using physical activity in the reduction of and abstinence from alcohol and other drug use' Mental Health and Physical Activity 100355-100355 , DOI Open access
(2020) 'Interventions to reduce contaminated aerosols produced during dental procedures for preventing infectious diseases' Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , DOI Open access
(2020) 'New Standards for Systematic Reviews Incorporate Population Health Sciences' American Journal of Public Health 110, (6) 753-754 , DOI
(2020) 'Designing clinical trials for future space missions as a pathway to changing how clinical trials are conducted on Earth' J Evid Based Med 13, (2) 153-160 , DOI Open access
(2019) 'Reporting guideline for priority setting of health research (REPRISE)' BMC Medical Research Methodology 19, (1) 0-0 , DOI Open access
(2019) 'Can we deliver effective alcohol-related brief advice in general dental practice?' Evidence-Based Dentistry 20, (3) 77-78 , DOI Open access
(2019) 'A comparison of exercise interventions from bed rest studies for the prevention of musculoskeletal loss' npj Microgravity 5, (1) , DOI Open access
(2019) 'Hand and ultrasonic instrumentation for orthograde root canal treatment of permanent teeth' Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2019, (2) , DOI
(2019) 'Impact of Time Pressure on Dentists' Diagnostic Performance' Journal of Dentistry , DOI Open access
(2018) 'Developing sustainability in a dental practice through an action research approach' British Dental Journal 225, (5) 409-412 , DOI Open access
(2018) 'Impact of stress on dentists' clinical performance. A systematic review' COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH 35, (1) 9-15 , DOI Open access
(2018) 'Global health trials methodological research agenda: results from a priority setting exercise' Trials 19, (1) , DOI Open access
(2018) 'Physical activity and the prevention, reduction, and treatment of alcohol and/or substance use across the lifespan (The PHASE review): protocol for a systematic review' Systematic Reviews 7, (1) , DOI Open access
(2017) 'Local consensus processes: effects on professional practice and health care outcomes' Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , DOI
(2017) 'How Do Selected National Funding Agencies Communicate the Concept of Cognitive Innovation on Their Public Website?' AVANT. Trends in Interdisciplinary Studies Publisher Site , DOI Open access
(2017) 'Resorbable versus titanium plates for orthognathic surgery' Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, (11) , DOI Open access
(2017) 'Human Biomechanical and Cardiopulmonary Responses to Partial Gravity – A Systematic Review' Frontiers in Physiology 8, (0) 0-0 , DOI Open access
(2017) 'What are funders doing to minimise waste in research?' The Lancet 389, (10073) 1006-1007 , DOI Open access
(2016) 'Systematic review of countermeasures to minimise physiological changes and risk of injury to the lumbopelvic area following long-term microgravity' Musculoskeletal Science and Practice 27, S5-S14 , DOI Open access
(2016) 'Community-based population-level interventions for promoting child oral health' , DOI Open access
(2016) 'When and how to update systematic reviews: consensus and checklist' BMJ i3507-i3507 , DOI Open access
(2016) 'Adhesively bonded versus non-bonded amalgam restorations for dental caries' Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016, (4) , DOI
(2016) 'Exploring attitudes and knowledge of climate change and sustainability in a dental practice: A feasibility study into resource management' British Dental Journal , DOI Open access
(2016) 'Identifying gaps for research prioritisation: Global burden of external causes of injury as reflected in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews' Injury 47, (5) 1151-1157 Open access
(2015) 'Interventions for the management of external root resorption' Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016, (1) , DOI
(2015) 'Increasing value and reducing waste in biomedical research: who's listening?' The Lancet 387, (10027) 1573-1586 , DOI Open access
(2015) 'Single crowns versus conventional fillings for the restoration of root-filled teeth' Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, (9) , DOI
(2015) 'Ethics and equity in research priority-setting: stakeholder engagement and the needs of disadvantaged groups' Indian J Med Ethics 12, (2) 110-113 , DOI Open access
(2015) 'Identifying otolaryngology systematic review research gaps: comparing Global Burden of Disease 2010 results with Cochrane Database of Systematic Review content' JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 141, (1) 67-72 , DOI
(2015) 'EBRNetwork – a call to action for evidence-based research' Trials 16, (S3) , DOI Open access
(2015) 'Identifying gaps in research prioritization: The global burden of neglected tropical diseases as reflected in the Cochrane database of systematic reviews' Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care 4, (4) 507-507 , DOI Open access
(2014) 'Global burden of skin disease as reflected in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews' JAMA Dermatol 150, (9) 945-951 , DOI
(2013) 'Oral rinses, mouthwashes and sprays for improving recovery following tonsillectomy' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (9) , DOI
(2013) 'Interventions for the management of mandibular fractures' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (7) , DOI Open access
(2013) 'GRADE guidelines: 14. Going from evidence to recommendations: the significance and presentation of recommendations' J Clin Epidemiol 66, (7) 719-725 , DOI
(2013) 'GRADE guidelines: 15. Going from evidence to recommendation-determinants of a recommendation's direction and strength' J Clin Epidemiol 66, (7) 726-735 , DOI
(2013) 'Evidence in agenda setting: new directions for the Cochrane Collaboration' J Clin Epidemiol 66, (5) 469-471 , DOI
(2013) 'Prioritization of systematic reviews leads prioritization of research gaps and needs' J Clin Epidemiol 66, (5) 522-523 , DOI
(2013) 'An equity lens can ensure an equity-oriented approach to agenda setting and priority setting of Cochrane Reviews' J Clin Epidemiol 66, (5) 511-521 , DOI
(2013) 'Ensuring relevance for Cochrane reviews: evaluating processes and methods for prioritizing topics for Cochrane reviews' J Clin Epidemiol 66, (5) 474-482 , DOI
(2013) 'Development and Implementation of the Standards for Evaluating and Reporting Epidemiologic Studies on Chronic Disease Incidence or Prevalence' American Journal of Public Health Research 7, (1) 183-190 Publisher Site , DOI
(2012) 'Irrigants for non-surgical root canal treatment in mature permanent teeth' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (9) , DOI
(2012) 'Single crowns versus conventional fillings for the restoration of root filled teeth' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (5) , DOI
(2012) 'Interventions for the management of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis' Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012, (4) , DOI
(2012) 'Generalizability of systematic reviews of the effectiveness of health care interventions to primary health care: concepts, methods and future research' Fam Pract 29 Suppl 1, i94-i103 , DOI
(2012) 'Carnitine supplementation for inborn errors of metabolism' Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012, (2) , DOI
(2012) 'Evidence summary: can plastics used in dentistry act as an environmental pollutant? Can we avoid the use of plastics in dental practice?' Br Dent J 212, (2) 89-91 , DOI
(2011) 'GRADE guidelines: 8. Rating the quality of evidence--indirectness' J Clin Epidemiol 64, (12) 1303-1310 , DOI
(2011) 'Choosing health technology assessment and systematic review topics: the development of priority-setting criteria for patients' and consumers' interests' Int J Technol Assess Health Care 27, (4) 348-356 , DOI
(2011) 'Oral rinses, mouthwashes and sprays for improving recovery following tonsillectomy' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (7) , DOI
(2011) 'Evidence summary: which dental liners under amalgam restorations are more effective in reducing postoperative sensitivity?' Br Dent J 210, (11) 533-537 , DOI
(2011) 'Development quality criteria to evaluate nontherapeutic studies of incidence, prevalence, or risk factors of chronic diseases: pilot study of new checklists' J Clin Epidemiol 64, (6) 637-657 , DOI
(2011) 'A systematic review of medical interventions for oral submucous fibrosis and future research opportunities' Oral Dis 17 Suppl 1, 42-57 , DOI
(2011) 'Evidence summary: is smoking cessation an effective and cost-effective service to be introduced in NHS dentistry?' Br Dent J 210, (4) 169-177 , DOI
(2011) 'Grading the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations: the GRADE approach to improving dental clinical guidelines' J Appl Oral Sci 19, (1) , DOI
(2011) 'GRADE guidelines: 8. Rating the quality of evidence-Indirectness' Chinese Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine 11, (12) 1452-1458
(2011) 'Development of Quality Criteria To Evaluate Nontherapeutic Studies of Incidence, Prevalence, or Risk Factors of Chronic Diseases: Pilot Study of New Checklists'
(2010) 'Antihistamines used in addition to topical nasal steroids for intermittent and persistent allergic rhinitis in children' Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010, (7) , DOI
(2010) 'Patients record systems: effects on dental practice and patient oral health outcomes' Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , DOI
(2010) 'Interventions for the management of external root resorption' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (6) , DOI
(2010) 'Interventions for the treatment of fractures of the mandibular condyle' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (4) , DOI
(2010) 'Oral rinses, mouthwashes and sprays for improving recovery following tonsillectomy' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1) , DOI
(2010) 'Hand and ultrasonic instrumentation for orthograde root canal treatment of permanent teeth' J Appl Oral Sci 18, (3) 268-272 , DOI Open access
(2010) 'A quantitative and qualitative evaluation of reports of clinical trials published in six Brazilian dental journals indexed in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO)' J Appl Oral Sci 18, (2) 104-109 , DOI Open access
(2009) 'Adhesively bonded versus non-bonded amalgam restorations for dental caries' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (4) , DOI
(2009) 'Cochrane review: Acyclovir for treating primary herpetic gingivostomatitis' Evidence-Based Child Health: A Cochrane Review Journal 4, (3) 1214-1240 , DOI
(2009) 'Summary of ‘Acylovir for treating primary herpetic gingivostomatitis’, including tables of key findings and quality of included trials' Evidence-Based Child Health: A Cochrane Review Journal 4, (3) 1241-1243 , DOI
(2009) 'Comparative effectiveness research and evidence-based health policy: experience from four countries' Milbank Q 87, (2) 339-367 , DOI
(2009) 'Carnitine supplementation for inborn errors of metabolism' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2) , DOI
(2009) 'Ibn Sina's Canon of Medicine: 11th century rules for assessing the effects of drugs' J R Soc Med 102, (2) 78-80 , DOI
(2009) 'Resorbable versus titanium plates for facial fractures' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1) , DOI
(2008) 'Diet and nutrition advice from the Cochrane Library: is it useful for the consumers and family physicians?' Fam Pract 25 Suppl 1, i60-i66 , DOI
(2008) 'Acyclovir for treating primary herpetic gingivostomatitis' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (4) , DOI
(2008) 'Hand and ultrasonic instrumentation for orthograde root canal treatment of permanent teeth' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (4) , DOI
(2008) 'Assessment of the methodological quality of reporting of randomized trials in four Iranian Healthcare Journals' Bahrain Medical Bulletin 30, (3) 111-113
(2008) 'Identifying search terms likely to retrieve reports of randomized trials in Iranmedex - A pilot project' Bahrain Medical Bulletin 30, (3) 119-121
(2008) 'Antihistamines as an adjunct to topical nasal steroids for intermittent and persistent allergic rhinitis in children' , DOI
(2008) 'Interventions for the management of submucous cleft palate' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1) , DOI
(2008) 'A Cochrane systematic review finds no reliable evidence for different management options for the fractured edentulous atrophic mandible' Gen Dent 56, (4) 356-362
(2007) 'Carnitine supplementation for treating people with inborn errors of metabolism' Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (3) , DOI
(2007) 'Ultrasonic versus hand instrumentation for orthograde root canal treatment of permanent teeth' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (4) , DOI
(2007) 'Resorbable versus titanium plates for orthognathic surgery' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2) , DOI
(2007) 'THC registers with the cochrane handsearching program' Journal of Tehran University Heart Center 2, (2)
(2007) 'Local consensus processes: effects on professional practice and health care outcomes' Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , DOI
(2007) 'Ultrasonic versus hand instrumentation for orthograde root canal treatment of permanent teeth' , DOI
(2007) 'Management of the fractured edentulous atrophic mandible' Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1) , DOI
(2007) 'Health research priority setting in developing countries of the eastern Mediterranean region: partnering with the Cochrane Collaboration' East Mediterr Health J 13, (3) 727-730
(2006) 'A comparison of handsearching versus embase searching of the archives of Iranian medicine to identify reports of randomized controlled trials' Arch Iran Med 9, (3) 192-195
Reviews
(2008) 'Interventions for the management of oral submucous fibrosis' Cochrane Database Syst Rev 4, , DOI
(2007) 'Management of the fractured edentulous atrophic mandible' COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS (1) , DOI
Letters
Books
(2012) Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health. Oxford University Press
Chapters
(2023) 'BERT for Complex Systematic Review Screening to Support the Future of Medical Research' Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Springer Nature Switzerland 173-182 , DOI
(2012) 'Community-based, population level interventions for promoting child oral health' John Wiley & Sons, Ltd , DOI
(2012) 'Furthering Dissemination and Implementation Research: The Need for More Attention to External Validity' Dissemination and Implementation Research in HealthTranslating Science to Practice Oxford University Press 305-326 , DOI
(2011) 'Single crowns versus conventional fillings for the restoration of root filled teeth' John Wiley & Sons, Ltd , DOI
(2011) 'Irrigants for non-surgical root canal treatment in mature permanent teeth' John Wiley & Sons, Ltd , DOI
(2010) 'Selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonists (salbutamol sulphate) for dysmenorrhoea' John Wiley & Sons, Ltd , DOI
(2007) 'Carnitine supplementation for treating people with inborn errors of metabolism' John Wiley & Sons, Ltd , DOI
Conference Papers
(2018) 'The design of clinical trials and its associated support systems in interplanetary missions - A thought experiment and creative workshop'
Reports
(2020) The role of space during pandemics - ISU Team Project report. Illkirch-Graffenstaden (France) : International Space University Publisher Site
(2009) Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care: Germany. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care: Germany. Commonwealth fund USA Commonwealth Fund pub. Publisher Site
Presentations and posters
'A Comparison of Exercise Based Interventions from Bed Rest Studies for the Prevention of Bone Loss' , DOI
'Effectiveness of resistive exercise countermeasures in bed rest to maintain muscle strength and power
– A Systematic Review –' , DOI
'Methodological innovation/Adaptation for systematic reviews for space medicine'
'Meta-futurism: an immersive workshop with science fiction elements to facilitate a conversation on climate change and space exploration'
Personal
Personal
Reports & invited lectures
Selected Invited Lectures:
- Oct 2023: Exploring reporting and publication practices associated with in-vitro research at Interdisciplinary perspectives on cultures on change around non-animal methods (NAMS) in the biomedical Sciences workshop, University of Exeter.
- Jan/Feb 2023: 100 year Starship Nexus Nairobi 2022, panel on oral microbiome
- Nov 2022 ‘The application of systematic review methods and meta-research studies in in-vitro research.’ John Bull Building, University of Plymouth. 18th Nov 2-3pm.
- Nov 2022 Smart Space Series - Access to space: Who, what, when and why? Event by Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (16 Nov 2022 6-7pm)
- Oct 2022 The PPI session with children engaging with the QT robot as part of the PRIDE-AI workshop – the application of artificial intelligence and robotics in dentistry workshop.
- May 2022 “what roles systematic reviews can play in policy decisions” as part of an event entitled Evidence based policy making in health during times of uncertainty event AT Sciences Po’s School of Public Affairs in Paris, France
- Setting priorities in research, 5th Congress of the Iranian Association of Community Oral Health, Feb 15-18, 2022, Tehran/Iran
- "Evidence-based policy-making in health" as part of the Sciences Po Paris School of Public Affairs Global Health policy stream, Nov 2021Systematic review in computer sciences - Virtual seminars of robotics research centre, University of Plymouth Oct 2020
- Clinical Trials in Interplanetary Missions (CTIM): using thought experiments to design now and the future at the EDGE 2020 conference(10 March 2020), Southampton, UK
- Off the lip 2020(Las Bonas, Philippines) Using methods in evidence synthesis and evidence-based research in an interdisciplinary research program on sustainable development
- Newcastle University – towards an evidence based approach to setting priorities for research 2019
- Sydney University – Clinical Epidemiology, policy sciences & speculative medical research 2019
- One HealthTech London, Invited Speaker -The importance of insignificance and negative results 2019
- Setting priorities for research in context of funding agencies, First National Evidence based Dentistry Symposium, Kerman, Iran 2018
- Our roles and responsibilities in reducing research waste - International Evidence-Based Health Care Society Congress, Kish, Iran 2017
- Role of funders in reducing research waste in a special meeting during the conference celebrating 10 years of NIHR 2016
- “Setting priorities in Clinical Research - Prospect of Evidence- Based Medicine and Cochrane in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina 2015
- “Towards an evidence informed approach to set priorities for topics of systematic reviews.” Annual Cochrane Methods Symposium, Vienna, Austria 2015
- “Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine: rules for assessing the effectiveness of drugs” Fifth and final event of Avicenna: a strategy for in silico clinical trials, Barcelona, Spain 2015
- Survey of funders, 1st Evidence Based Research Network Symposium, 2014
- Opening plenary on Research Priority Settingof the Campbell Colloquium. 2014
- “Using Research Priority Setting Methods to identify uncertainties on sustainability issues: an example from the dental school” The Third Annual ISSR Sustainability Research Event 2014. Challenge Accepted! Creating Solutions for Horizon 2020 - 2014
- External validity and generalizability of systematic reviews in primary health care: adapting the methodology to conduct the review. "Practice-based Evidence for Weight Management: Alliance between Primary Care and Public Health" sixth Heelsum workshop, Heelsum Collaboration, Heelsum, Netherlands 2010
- Cochrane Primary Health Care Field: Introduction to systematic reviews and the Cochrane Primary Health Care Field, WONCA Europe, Istanbul, Turkey 2008
- The Cochrane Developing Countries Network, Iberoamerican Cochrane Network conference, Costa Rica, June 2008
Peer-reviewed Conference papers
1. Hansy M, Vasile A, Gianni M, Bannach-Brown A, Nasser M, et al. BERT for complex systematic review screening to support the future of medical research. Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIME) June 2023. Slovenia
2. Maranan D, Vengua LA, Suplemento J, Steyaert P, Nasser M, et al. The BUKAS Lab: Opening artscience exploration and futures literacy in the Global South. International Symposium of Electronic Arts 2023, Paris, France https://isea2023.isea-international.org/?fbclid=IwAR2kzYJ0LsCaZ_xTTXXk2-EDYUPpx-tJd22tUKIeIxi6bTxPXj2JnJKC2U4
3. Steyaert P, Vermeulen A, Holt A, Maranan D, Checola G, Nasser M, et al. Co-creation towards the post-Anthropocene. International Symposium of Electronic Arts 2023, Paris, France https://isea2023.isea-international.org/?fbclid=IwAR2kzYJ0LsCaZ_xTTXXk2-EDYUPpx-tJd22tUKIeIxi6bTxPXj2JnJKC2U4
4. Nasser M, Steyaert P, Maranan D et al. Meta-futurism: an immersive workshop with science fiction elements to facilitate a conversation on climate change and space exploration. IAC, 2022, Paris, France.
5. Nasser M, Fogtman A, Bannach-Brown A, et al. Methodological innovation/Adaptation for systematic reviews for space medicine, Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC, 2021, Dubai, UAE.
6. Nasser M, Margarida Esteves A, Vermeulen A, et al. Diversifying the concept of analogue missions to explore and evaluate new concepts for future space missions. Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC, 2021, Dubai, UAE.
7. Nasser M, Knight J, Haines A, etc al. Virtual futuristic analogue missions to drive methodological innovation for clinical research for space mission and earth. Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC, 2021, Dubai, UAE.
Conferences organised
International workshop on research priority setting methods on 1-2 June 2012 in Plymouth, UK
BSODR 20 17
Off the Lip 2020
Research Residency on Cognitive Innovation for Sustainable Development 2020
PRIDE-AI-workshop. The Application of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Dentistry Workshop. 2022
BSODR 20 17
Off the Lip 2020
Research Residency on Cognitive Innovation for Sustainable Development 2020
PRIDE-AI-workshop. The Application of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Dentistry Workshop. 2022
Other academic activities
Official report
- ISP20 (how space technologies help the pandemics)
- Shamliyan TA, Kane RL, Ansari MT, Raman G, Berkman ND, Grant M, Janes G, Maglione M, Moher D, Nasser M, Robinson KA, Segal JB, Tsouros S. Development of Quality Criteria To Evaluate Nontherapeutic Studies of Incidence, Prevalence, or Risk Factors of Chronic Diseases: Pilot Study of New Checklists [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2011 Jan. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=methresdisease
- Nasser M, Sawicki P. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care: Germany. Issue Brief (Commonw Fund). 2009 Jul;57:1-12. The full report was published on the Commonwealth fund website on 28 July 2009 http://www.commonwealthfund.org/
Other publications
- Karimkhani C, Boyers LN, Nasser M, Dellavalle R. Mapping research prioritization by The CochraneCollaboration to Global Burden of Disease 2010 data. Cochrane Methods. IssueSeptember 2014. Available at: http://www.thecochranelibrary.com/SpringboardWebApp/userfiles/ccoch/file/Files/Coch_Methods2014.pdf
- Nasser M, Crowe S, Welch V, Ueffing E.Proposed Agenda setting and priority setting methods group. Cochrane Methods.Cochrane DB Syst Rev 2011 Suppl 1: 37-38. http://www.cochrane.org/sites/default/files/newsletters/coch_meth_2011.zip
- Nasser M. Priority setting in theCochrane Collaboration. Cochrane Methods. Cochrane DB Syst Rev 2010 Suppl 1: 6. http://www.cochrane.org/sites/default/files/uploads/Newsletters/Cochrane%20Methods%202010.pdf
- Fox DM, Nasser M.Informing the politics of prioritizing (and funding) systematic reviews:another potential step for the Agenda and Priority Setting Methods Group. Cochrane Methods Supplement 2013. ISSN: 2044-4702. http://www.thecochranelibrary.com/SpringboardWebApp/userfiles/ccoch/file/Files/Cochrane%20Methods%202013.pdf
- Pooler J, Nasser M. Challenges in conducting priority setting exercises for Cochrane entities. Cochrane Methods Supplement 2013. ISSN: 2044-4702. http://www.thecochranelibrary.com/SpringboardWebApp/userfiles/ccoch/file/Files/Cochrane%20Methods%202013.pdf
- Nasser M, Tibi A, Savage-Smith E. Ibn Sina’s Canon of Medicine: 11th century rules for assessing the effects of drugs. The James Lind Library.(www.jameslindlibrary.org). Accessed Sunday 6 July 2008.
- Nasser M ,Tibi A (2006). Ibn Hindu and the science of medicine. The James Lind Library (http://www.jameslindlibrary.org).
Blog posts
I wrote blog posts for the following websites
British Medical Journal (BMJ) blogs - How can research publication be improved?
ISSR blog (currently ISSR is called Earth Sustainability Institute) - Uncertainties, knowledge gaps and research priorities
Other media
There is a short interview with me in the Anniversary video of the Cochrane Collaboration talking about the Priority Setting Methods Group at time 1:40.
I have also been asked by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), which serves as the regional office for World Health Organisation (WHO) in the Americas, to host and run four webinars on my work on research priority setting. I ran the webinars but did not edit or prepare the videos.
1) Meet the Methods Group: An introduction to the Cochrane Priority Setting Methods Group
2) An Equity Lens for Priority-Setting Approaches in Systematic Reviews
3) Priority Setting for Cochrane Review Groups: Tips, Tricks, and Case Studies
Video associated with press release - What are research funders doing to minimize waste in research?
Press release - Plymouth academic to support Bosnian-Herzegovinian scientists on setting priorities for medical research. The event was also reported in an editorial “Mahmic-Kaknjo M, Novo A, Krleza-Jeric K. FIRST BH COCHRANE SYMPOSIUM HELD. Mater Sociomed. 2016 Feb;28(1):74-6.”
Press Release - Review addresses value and waste in biomedical research. This was picked up by other news sources like Science Daily
Invited speaker to give the opening plenary on research priority settingof the Campbell Colloquium.
Some reports from the fellows from ColLaboraoire (Reimagining Sustainability at ColLaboratoire, Conference & summer school log)
A video of our Clinical trials in interplanetary missions (CTIM) project
A video associated with press release - Medical guidelines for astronauts
Social media - I run a personal blog https://monanasser.wordpress.comand a twitter account @monalisa1n. I talk about my research along with my personal interests in aviation. This makes the public more engaged. With others, I also run research focus twitter accounts @capsmg(priority setting) @ebrnetwork(evidence based research network) and sometimes curate Twitter chats on issues faced by Cochrane authors (#cochraneauthor). As part of this project, I curated other research-focused Twitter accounts. These are the reports:
Introduction - Smiling wide and flying high – Mona Nasser joins Real Scientists
Final report - Crowdsourcing the best in science: thanks and farewell to Mona Nasser
Curating @wepublichealth22-28 Sep 2014 http://blogs.crikey.com.au/croakey/wepublichealth-an-experiment-in-citizen-journalism-meets-public-health/
Curating @wethehumanities12-19 Jan 2015 https://wethehumanities.wordpress.com/2015/01/10/12th-19th-january-mona-nasser/
I wrote blog posts for the following websites
British Medical Journal (BMJ) blogs - How can research publication be improved?
ISSR blog (currently ISSR is called Earth Sustainability Institute) - Uncertainties, knowledge gaps and research priorities
Other media
There is a short interview with me in the Anniversary video of the Cochrane Collaboration talking about the Priority Setting Methods Group at time 1:40.
I have also been asked by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), which serves as the regional office for World Health Organisation (WHO) in the Americas, to host and run four webinars on my work on research priority setting. I ran the webinars but did not edit or prepare the videos.
1) Meet the Methods Group: An introduction to the Cochrane Priority Setting Methods Group
2) An Equity Lens for Priority-Setting Approaches in Systematic Reviews
3) Priority Setting for Cochrane Review Groups: Tips, Tricks, and Case Studies
Video associated with press release - What are research funders doing to minimize waste in research?
Press release - Plymouth academic to support Bosnian-Herzegovinian scientists on setting priorities for medical research. The event was also reported in an editorial “Mahmic-Kaknjo M, Novo A, Krleza-Jeric K. FIRST BH COCHRANE SYMPOSIUM HELD. Mater Sociomed. 2016 Feb;28(1):74-6.”
Press Release - Review addresses value and waste in biomedical research. This was picked up by other news sources like Science Daily
Invited speaker to give the opening plenary on research priority settingof the Campbell Colloquium.
Some reports from the fellows from ColLaboraoire (Reimagining Sustainability at ColLaboratoire, Conference & summer school log)
A video of our Clinical trials in interplanetary missions (CTIM) project
A video associated with press release - Medical guidelines for astronauts
Social media - I run a personal blog https://monanasser.wordpress.comand a twitter account @monalisa1n. I talk about my research along with my personal interests in aviation. This makes the public more engaged. With others, I also run research focus twitter accounts @capsmg(priority setting) @ebrnetwork(evidence based research network) and sometimes curate Twitter chats on issues faced by Cochrane authors (#cochraneauthor). As part of this project, I curated other research-focused Twitter accounts. These are the reports:
Introduction - Smiling wide and flying high – Mona Nasser joins Real Scientists
Final report - Crowdsourcing the best in science: thanks and farewell to Mona Nasser
Curating @wepublichealth22-28 Sep 2014 http://blogs.crikey.com.au/croakey/wepublichealth-an-experiment-in-citizen-journalism-meets-public-health/
Curating @wethehumanities12-19 Jan 2015 https://wethehumanities.wordpress.com/2015/01/10/12th-19th-january-mona-nasser/
Additional information
I am a pilot and skydiver. One of the few occasions that I brought together my interests in science and skydiving was a project that I call #skydivemath. During the British Parachute Association AGM (these days it is called British Skydiving), Anu Ohja from National Space Centre gave a talk on Going beyond Stratos and Stratex: Skydiving and human space exploration. As part of the talk, he talks about cosmonauts doing numerical problems in freefall as a training/text. So I did a jump with a friend in which we selected a math problem (it was a long division - I did not see it before the jump but in fairness it was an easy one) and I solved the problem in free fall. Here is the video of it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjQQSFR1kz4.
Links
Blog: https://monanasser.wordpress.com/Cochrane Priority setting Methods Group: https://methods.cochrane.org/prioritysetting/
ColLaboratoire https://collaboratoire20.cognovo.org/
Evidence based Research Network http://www.ebrnetwork.org
Cognovo https://www.cognovo.eu/
ColLaboratoire https://collaboratoire20.cognovo.org/
Evidence based Research Network http://www.ebrnetwork.org
Cognovo https://www.cognovo.eu/