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As this year draws to a close, we’re looking back at some of our most popular research of 2021. Which research outputs have made the most read list? Find out below!

It’s been another busy year for Gates Open Research!

Research Articles remain our most popular article type, representing 67% of the published work. However, many researchers continue to use our non-traditional article types to tell the full story of their research. Study Protocols and Open Letters are also popular choices among our authors.

Moreover, we expect to see a further uptick in the publication of novel article types in 2022. At Gates Open Research, we offer a wide variety of article types including Software Tool Articles, Method Articles, Systematic Reviews, and Data Notes. This will give Gates-funded authors even more opportunities to tell the full story of their research and make even greater impact next year.

Today, we’re pleased to share our top research outputs this year. Our most-read articles of 2021 are those that received the highest number of views across Gates Open Research and PubMed Central, where they are also indexed. Articles must have already passed peer review to be considered.  Without further ado, here are our top 5 research outputs this year:

#1: Proceedings of an expert workshop on community agreement for gene drive research in Africa – Co-organised by KEMRI, PAMCA and Target Malaria

This Open Letter shares the outcomes of a workshop organized by Target Malaria, the Kenya Medical Research Institute and the Pan African Mosquito Control Association. The workshop brought together researchers and practitioners to discuss conducting effective community engagement for field trials of genetically modified organisms.

The group questioned the model proposed by Target Malaria in its research related to the release of genetically modified sterile male mosquitos. They consider how this could be adapted to future studies involving gene drive mosquito releases and offer reflections on potential best practices.

With 1200 views and 167 downloads, the information shared in this Open Letter will be useful for others planning community engagement activities.

#2: National ownership of family planning: What do FP2020 commitments have to do with it?

In this Research Article, the authors use mini-case studies to offer insights into a number of factors shaping the implementation of FP2020 country commitments. So far, the article has received over 500 views and over 50 downloads.

The authors conclude that there is a significant need for engaging politically with the socio-cultural contexts that frame women’s rights and influence access to family planning.

“As FP2030 takes shape and new Country Implementation Plans are created and influenced, the paper has great relevance which could serve to make them more efficient, cost-effective and relevant”, highlights peer reviewer Sarah Castle.

#3: Developing effective data visualization tools for nutrition: reflections on the design of a Nutrition Scorecard in Nigeria

In this Open Letter, the authors provide a detailed overview of their experience designing a nutrition scorecard that “aims to hold Nigeria’s 36 Governors accountable to nutrition commitments.” So far it has received almost 500 views and over 30 downloads.

“They describe the purpose of the scorecard, the underlying theory of change informing its design, and the steps taken in the design process,” notes one peer reviewer, Kendra Siekmans. “The article ends with a list of reflections on their learning through the process, providing helpful guidance to those who may want to replicate such a process.”

#4: Interventions to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes of children born moderate to late preterm: a systematic review protocol

This Study Protocol describes a proposal for a systematic review on interventions to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes of children born at moderate to late preterm (MLPT).

“This is an area that has been under-researched to date, given that later difficulties in this population have only been recognized relatively recently,” says peer reviewer, Elaine M. Boyle.

With 435 views and counting, the authors have proposed a timely and much-needed investigation into early childhood interventions offered to MLPT children. “This systematic review will inform clinical practice in the field of ECI related to preterm birth and help to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for MLPT”, say the authors.

#5: A long way to go: engagement of men and boys in country family planning commitments and implementation plans

The final of our top 5 is a Research Article with 485 views and 72 downloads. The authors analyzed how male engagement in family planning is incorporated into FP2020 country goals and plans.

Developing family planning argues that target men and boys, “will complement and strengthen existing FP programs as well as promote broader goals related to gender equality”, the authors argue.

Peer reviewer Ravi Vera comments, “the paper is a timely reminder to the countries under analysis and to several other countries and their policymakers to pay attention to this important issue of male engagement in FP and prepare a comprehensive and explicit strategy.”

Congratulations to all our most-read authors of 2021!

We want to take this opportunity to thank all our authors and reviewers who have published and reviewed with us this year. We look forward to reading even more of your articles and reports in 2022!

Are you Gates-funded and new to Gates Open Research? We look forward to welcoming your submissions for publication next year. Check out our ‘How It Works’ page and our article guidelines, to learn what to expect when submitting your research.