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Research strategy

The Centre for Intervention Research develops, designs and implements trials with new and innovative health-promoting and preventive initiatives, and carries out both implementation and evaluation research.

The initiatives may focus on promoting healthy habits as well as healthy frameworks and living conditions. The centre focuses on initiatives undertaken in municipal and other local arenas that reduce social inequalities in health and which can be implemented with available resources. The centre carries out and evaluates trials in, among other settings, primary and secondary schools, the employment sector and the local community.

The centre’s goals in terms of its research strategy are as follows

  • To build up professional competence in health promotion and intervention research at the highest international level
  • To develop and design intervention programmes for health and prevention
  • To create knowledge regarding the effects of local health promotion initiatives
  • To throw light on options for and barriers to the implementation of initiatives
  • To contribute to the further development of theory surrounding health promotion and prevention
  • To further develop methods for effect studies in arenas where randomisation and control are difficult
  • To provide research-based advice to health promotion actors
  • To develop tools to be used for planning and implementing initiatives and documenting local projects

Research of the highest quality and in collaboration with local actors

The centre's trials are designed as controlled and, if possible, randomised trials with a view to creating knowledge regarding effects at the highest possible evidence level. The studies are initially based on person numbers that allow for register-based follow-up of both short-term and long-term effects. Behavioural changes and direct health effects are measured using objective criteria and tests, as well as questionnaires using validated questions.

The planning and implementation of initiatives are based on recognised planning models, ensuring high quality and transparency through the involvement of municipalities, relevant stakeholders and target groups. Implementation research and process evaluation are carried out for all trials to assess the link between initiative and effect, as well as the potential for anchoring, including achieving capacity development and local ownership.

Last Updated 19.10.2023