Building an Integrative Analytical System for Recognizing and Eliminating in-Equities (BIAS) FREE Framework by Burke amnd Eichler

I thought the BIAS FREE framework by Mary Anne Burke (a member of the network) and Margit Eichler might be of interest to other members of this network. From the Global Forum webpage a description 

The BIAS FREE Framework: A practical tool for identifying and eliminating social biases in health research
By Mary Anne Burke and Margrit Eichler. 2006. 64 pages. ISBN 2-940286-43-4
This volume provides students, researchers and policy-makers with a new user-friendly rights-based tool for identifying and eliminating biases deriving from social hierarchies in their work. Cutting a swathe through the layers of tools researchers and policy-makers have had to apply in the past to avoid sexism, racism, ableism, classism, casteism, ageism and endless other ‘isms’ in their work, the authors offer their BIAS FREE Framework as an integrative approach to explore and remove the compounding layers of bias that derive from any social hierarchy. BIAS FREE stands for Building an Integrative Analytical System for Recognizing and Eliminating in-Equities. The acronym is the statement of a goal, not of an achievement. The authors lay out the theoretical underpinnings of the BIAS FREE Framework and the roots of discrimination – the logic of domination – common to all ‘isms of domination’. Understanding this basic conceptual interconnection among all systems of oppression is the key to unlocking them. The focus of the volume is the application of the BIAS FREE Framework for understanding how biases that derive from social hierarchies manifest in health research. The BIAS FREE Framework is applicable not just to research, but also to legislation, policies, programmes and practices. It is also transferable to any policy sector, not just health, and speaks to the needs of high- and low-income countries alike. It is an essential tool for getting at the roots of social inequalities and effecting real social change.

Innovating for the health of all: Innovation in systems of research for health and health equity Havana, Cuba, 16-20 November 2009

Forum 2009
Innovating for the health of all:
Innovation in systems of research for health and health equity

Havana, Cuba, 16-20 November 2009

The Global Forum for Health Research is delighted to announce that its 2009 Forum meeting will take place in Havana at the invitation of the Ministry of Health of Cuba, from 16-20 November 2009.

As you know, Forum meetings bring together a wide range of stakeholders from around the world – policy-makers, development specialists, funders and leaders of research, representatives of civil society, NGOs, the media and the private sector – to engage in dialogue, to identify lessons learned from experience and to identify pathways to solutions.

Forum 2009 will focus on innovations in how systems of research for health are organized, managed, financed and applied. It will:

– highlight innovations that are already, or could be, contributing to strengthening systems of research for health and health equity;

– examine the results of research and innovation in key areas including, for example, equitable finance mechanisms in health systems;

– explore pivotal factors that are important in improving the organization of research and innovation systems to achieve more equitable health outcomes.

A definition of what we understand by innovation in systems of research for health and health equity is on our web site http://www.globalforumhealth.org.

As we begin our planning, we would like to open a call for contributions to make one of the outstanding events that the Global Forum has become known for. The deadline for submissions will be 15 January 2009 and you will be able to submit your ideas as of 1 December 2009 on our web site http://www.globalforumhealth.org. We welcome submissions from all sectors and all geographical locations, from young researchers as well as leaders in all fields relevant to research and innovation for health.

To receive future Forum 2009 announcements, please sign up here:

http://www.globalforumhealth.org/shlinks/forum2009.php

My colleagues and I look forward to your contributions. Cuba offers an exceptional setting for Forum 2009, as an attractive and vibrant location and as the focal point for national and regional examples of innovation. We hope you will be able to join us there.

Stephen A. Matlin

Executive Director