The Existential Question in Research: “Why Does This Matter?”
Several years ago, while studying for my PhD, one of the defining — some in my cohort would call it haunting — questions we regularly faced about our work and research was: “Why does this matter?” and “So what?”. Among the economics PhD students, this was a tricky existential question to answer. Some of us aimed to develop new models or add sophistication to existing methods; others sought to build on their supervisors’ work on a popular and publishable topic. Yet the ever-present challenge was to justify the potential contributions of our research and identify the possible impact or policy response based on our findings. To have no answer to “Why should we care?” risked reducing the research to a purely academic exercise, missing an opportunity for meaningful impact.
Collaborative Cancer Economics Research at Deakin Health Economics
In my current work with Associate Professor Nikki McCaffrey, I contribute to several projects as part of the Economics of Cancer Collaboration between Deakin Health Economics and Cancer Council Victoria (CCV). The collaboration investigates the cost-effectiveness and economic impact of health services related to cancer screening, prevention, treatment, and patient support. My recent work includes economic evaluations of skin cancer detection and prevention, quantifying the benefits of smoking cessation before cancer surgery, and other exciting and forthcoming projects. A feature of this collaboration is the opportunity for conversations and shared expertise with partners at CCV, cancer survivors, and clinicians.
The Value of Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Consumer Involvement
Something I particularly appreciate about working on these projects is the clear answer we have to “Why does this matter?”. The importance of high-quality, robust evidence for cost-effective cancer prevention and care is readily apparent when hearing from others through the Economics of Cancer Collaboration — often in ways I hadn’t previously considered from my perspective as a researcher. It underscores the benefits and strengths of multidisciplinary research and consumer involvement and serves as a reminder that the extra effort to collaborate is well worthwhile, helping to keep the potential impact of our research in focus.
