2026 State of Real-World Evidence Policy

The Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy engages stakeholders through the Real-World Evidence (RWE) Collaborative to guide high-priority efforts aimed at improving the development and use of real-world data (RWD) and evidence for more informed health care decision-making. Each year, the RWE Collaborative convenes experts to discuss the latest innovations in RWD/E policy. Our 2026 convening will consider how RWD/E can routinely inform regulatory and coverage decisions, integrate research into patient care, and foster greater harmonization across the health policy ecosystem. Expert panelists will discuss the role of RWD/E to support bipartisan goals for health care; collaborations between regulators and payers; continuous learning at more resilient health systems; opportunities for AI in health care research, and more.