This document discusses developing national capacity for research and ethics to improve health decision making. It notes calls since 2005 to use research evidence in policies, but limited progress due to mismatches between evidence and policy needs. Health research investment is comparatively low in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. National research priority setting and stewardship capacities are limited. While most countries have ethics committees, important decisions are not always ethically based. Examples of WHO regional initiatives aim to strengthen implementation research, guidelines, and ethics. Main questions center on the most effective modalities to improve evidence-informed decision making within ministries of health and partnerships with academic institutions. Barriers to evidence-based policies need to be overcome and countries can learn from each other's experiences.