Priority research areas were identified by a group of experts in January, 1991 and have since been modified on the basis of existing health problems of the country. In this reassessment of priorities, Safe Motherhood, Child Health Care, Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI), Infectious Diseases, Nutrition, Non-Communicable Diseases, Health Systems Research (HSR) and Occupational and Environmental Research have been recognized as important research areas.

As far as HSR is concerned, the priority areas include critical review of jobs of PHC personnel, functional integration of health and family planning, study of motivational factors of domiciliary workers, training needs, community perception of health care, utilization of rural health facilities, quality of health care, cost-effectiveness study, programme monitoring and evaluation, time and motion study in the context of health complexes and hospitals.

BMRC has conducted “Consultative Meetings for Prioritization of Health Research Areas at Divisional Level” in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal and Sylhet Divisions and priority areas in the mentioned divisions were identified. For identification of Priority Areas in Reproductive Health Consultative Meetings were also conducted.

BMRC invites applications on prescribed proforma for grants from energetic and devoted research workers on identified priority areas. The proposals that are received are evaluated by the Scientific Review Committee and noted experts in the subject. Once the formalities are completed the investigator is provided with grants and whatever guidance is required.

About 998 research projects on different fields of health research were funded till 2001.

In its programme of research management and co-ordination, BMRC has established research cells in 8 medical colleges.

BMRC conducts regular programmes for the training of research workers and takes the responsibility to function as a focal point for all health research in the country. It also provides advisory services to young scientists and assists in publishing research work.

BMRC coordinates with other Institutions and Organizations engaged in health research activities in Bangladesh.

Health Systems Research and Community based Studies are coordinated/managed through HSR Unit and Community Health Research Centre (CHRC) of BMRC.

Bangladesh Medical Research Council has an Ethical Review Committee which serves as National Ethical Committee of the Country.

Each and every Project Proposal approved by the Scientific Review Committee must get ethical clearance before funding by the Council.

The Ethical Committee also provides ethical clearance to research studies not funded by the BMRC involving human subjects to be conducted in Bangladesh by Bangladeshi or foreign researchers.

The Ethical Committee of BMRC has formulated Human Tissue Transplantation policy in the Country.