Abstract:
Much of the research used to support the ratification of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was
conducted in high-income countries or in highly controlled environments. Therefore, for the global tobacco control community
to make informed decisions that will continue to effectively inform policy implementation, it is critical that the tobacco control
community, policy makers, and funders have updated information on the state of the science as it pertains to provisions of the
FCTC. Following the National Cancer Institute’s process model used in identifying the research needs of the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration’s relatively new tobacco law, a core team of scientists from the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco
identified and commissioned internationally recognized scientific experts on the topics covered within the FCTC. These experts
analyzed the relevant sections of the FCTC and identified critical gaps in research that is needed to inform policy and practice
requirements of the FCTC. This paper summarizes the process and the common themes from the experts’ recommendations
about the research and related infrastructural needs. Research priorities in common across Articles include improving surveillance,
fostering research communication/collaboration across organizations and across countries, and tracking tobacco industry
activities. In addition, expanding research relevant to low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), was also identified as a priority,
including identification of what existing research findings are transferable, what new country-specific data are needed, and the
infrastructure needed to implement and disseminate research so as to inform policy in LMIC.
