Why does the MRC need to launch the Outputs Data Gathering Tool?
Currently the MRC holds little systematic data on the outputs and outcomes from the research it funds. The data held by the MRC is currently incomplete, and unfortunately the approaches used to gather this information in the past were not intended to deliver the reporting requirements we now have. It is clear that timely information on the outputs from research can only be reported directly by researchers, and the MRC has recognised the need to put in place a route by which this information can be fed back to the MRC.
