Everyone should have access to the health services they need without being forced into poverty when paying for them. This report argues that universal health coverage--with full access to high-quality services for prevention, treatment and financial risk protection--cannot be achieved without the evidence provided by scientific research. It maintains that all nations should be producers of research as well as consumers. The process of discovery should take place not only in academic centers but also in public health programs where people seek health care and use the services provided. Investigations ranging from clinical trials to health policy studies can help chart the course to improved health outcomes and reduced poverty, but research needs national and international backing to succeed.

The 2013 report calls for:

* Increased international and national investment and support in research aimed specifically at improving coverage of health services within and between countries.

* Closer collaboration between researchers and policymakers, i.e. research needs to be taken outside the academic institutions and into public health programs that are close to the supply of and demand for health services.

* Countries to build research capacity by developing a local workforce of well-trained, motivated researchers.

* Every country to have comprehensive codes of good research practice in place.

* Global and national research networks to coordinate research efforts by fostering collaboration and information exchange.