Reports

The IOM applies a distinct research process to provide objective and straightforward answers to difficult questions of national importance. Advice is offered by committees of leading national and international scientists, all of whom serve pro bono, are asked to set aside preconceptions and to rely on evidence in their pursuit of knowledge and truth as they compose IOM’s consensus reports.

In addition to consensus committees, IOM’s other activities frequently release reports as well.

Types of IOM Reports

The IOM produces various types of reports:

Consensus Report: A consensus report reflects a committee’s agreement following deliberations. A consensus report may include findings, conclusions, and recommendations, based on available scientific evidence.

Letter Report: Similarly, a letter report reflects a committee’s agreement following deliberations. However, a letter report typically takes the form of a letter to the report’s sponsor or to a third party. A letter report may include findings, conclusions, and recommendations, based on available scientific evidence.

Workshop Report: A workshop report is a summary of the presentations and discussions at a workshop. Although authored by a committee, a workshop report contains only the opinions of those who attended and presented at the workshop and does not include consensus findings or recommendations. A workshop report does not reflect the views of the IOM.

Workshop Summary: A workshop summary is a summary of the presentations and discussions at a workshop. A workshop summary contains only the opinions of those who attended and presented at the workshop and does not include consensus findings or recommendations. A workshop summary does not reflect the views of the IOM.