Health Research Policy and Systems is an online journal published by BioMed Central in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). All articles are open access. The journal publishes papers on all aspects of the role of evidence-based health research policy and systems in ensuring efficient utilisation and application of knowledge to improve health and health equity, especially in developing countries. The journal welcomes a broad spectrum of articles addressing key issues and topics in the field of health research systems and health research policy. [adapted from website]