摘要：The Global Tobacco Research Network (GTRN) was developed to enhance global tobacco control research through information sharing and collaboration among researchers. The formation of the GTRN is timely because of the need to ratify, implement, and track the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. While the spectrum of international tobacco control research continues to expand, resources to support these efforts are still quite limited. As an issue-specific network focused on information sharing and capacity building associated with tobacco control research, the GTRN will provide an opportunity for enhancing the effectiveness of tobacco control initiatives. GLOBAL TOBACCO CONTROL IS at a crossroads. On the one hand, there is strong evidence about the health effects of active and passive smoking, and there has been considerable progress toward understanding what constitutes effective tobacco control strategies. Moreover, many evidence-based strategies have been included in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). 1 On the other hand, diminishing returns, complacency, and failure to translate evidence into practice threatens to undermine much of the excellent tobacco control work undertaken to date, and many low- and middle-income countries lack the capacity to undertake tobacco-related research and implement tobacco control strategies. 2 Warner 3 and Lando et al. 4 addressed key weaknesses in implementing effective and resource-efficient tobacco control research in low-and middle-income countries. First, while relevant research is being produced, mechanisms are not in place for synthesis and dissemination to ensure that important findings inform national policy development. 2 Second, there is no central clearinghouse that provides contact information for tobacco control researchers or brief descriptions of current tobacco control research efforts. 4 Finally, collaboration among researchers is not taking advantage of potential efficiencies through joint training, mentoring, and pooling of information. In response to these needs, a Global Tobacco Research Network (GTRN) developed. The GTRN connects individuals and organizations collaborating to conduct, synthesize, manage, and disseminate of tobacco control research in support of a policy-relevant research agenda. The network’s goal is to consolidate researchers and institutions involved in the broad range of research that is addressing the determinants, consequences, and control of tobacco production, promotion, and consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke. These researchers have both the knowledge and the skills to build and sustain future global tobacco control research efforts.
