How it works

The Evidence Hub works in two modes. In preparedness mode we build systems, relationships, skills and methods. In activation mode we coordinate rapid evidence work in response to urgent health security questions, such as during a pandemic or other emergency.

The hub-and-spoke model

The central hub coordinates the system, supports methods and quality assurance, and connects the right expertise to the right question. Spoke partners bring specialist knowledge, review capacity and topic expertise, including public agencies, academic teams, public health specialists, health economists, behavioural scientists, clinicians, public and patient contributors, and international partners.

How questions are commissioned

Questions are raised within the health system, for example by the Minister for Health, Department of Health divisions, the HSE and public health teams, and submitted through a single front door in the Department of Health. A Coordination Group screens and prioritises the questions, an Oversight Group commissions the work, and the Hub then produces it through its partner network. The public does not submit requests directly.

From question to output

1. A request is submitted through the Department of Health single front door, with the policy owner, decision need and deadline confirmed.
2. The Health Security Unit and the Hub check scope, duplication, feasibility and the likely product type.
3. The Coordination Group prioritises the question against agreed criteria and recommends a shortlist.
4. The Oversight Group approves priorities, sets timelines and formally commissions the work.
5. The Hub prepares the work order and allocates it to the most suitable partner.
6. The Hub quality assures the completed product and returns it, with findings, certainty and limitations clearly stated.

Quality assurance and versioning

Every output states the question, methods, date, sources, main findings, certainty, limitations and implications. Quality assurance is proportionate to urgency. Evidence changes, so each output shows a version and date, and may be updated or clearly marked as superseded when important new evidence becomes available.