The SBSTA considers all matters related to research at the first sessional period of the year. In recognition of the importance of scientific research in meeting the needs of the Convention, the annual meetings of the research dialogue discuss needs for climate change research and research-related capacity-building, particularly those of developing countries, and convey relevant research findings and lessons learned from activities undertaken by regional and international research organizations and programmes.

The SBSTA considers all matters related to systematic observation at the second sessional period of the year.
A key dimension for implementation of systematic observation under the Convention is the cooperation with the Global Climate Observing System of the World Meteorological Organization, the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites and other relevant organizations and programmes.

In 2010, the COP decided to set up a process to periodically review the adequacy of the long-term global goal in the light of the ultimate objective of the Convention and overall progress toward achieving the long-term global goal, including a consideration of the implementation of the commitments under the Convention. The first periodic review, the 2013-2015 review, was concluded with a decision that strengthened the long term global, to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change. This is also reflected in the Paris Agreement. The SBSTA and the SBI are currently considering the scope of the next periodic review with a view to forwarding a recommendation for consideration by the COP by no later than 2018, as appropriate.