Training Group

Training in CEE evidence synthesis methodology is delivered by CEE Centres and associated institutions and trainers operating within the CEE Training Endorsement Scheme.

The training working group:

• acts as a first point of contact for people interested in undertaking training in CEE evidence synthesis methodologies
• oversees operation of the endorsement scheme which aims to ensure quality training which is consistent with CEE Guidelines for evidence synthesis
• coordinates CEE training provision across endorsed providers
• cooperates with trainers in the continued improvement of courses, and development of new courses
• maintains a free online training course: https://synthesistraining.github.io/

For more information on training opportunities please contact info@environmentalevidence.org.

Current members of the training working group are; Jacqui Eales, Ruth Garside, Neal Haddaway, Teri Knight and Nicola Randall.

Upcoming Training

CEE Training Workshop in Evidence Synthesis Methods: a satellite event at the online ESMARConf

CEE is proud to announce a FREE online training workshop in systematic review and map methodology to coincide with the Evidence Synthesis Hackathon’s ESMARConf (Evidence Synthesis and Meta-Analysis in R Conference). The workshop will take place on January 19th 2021, 14:00 – 16:00 CET prior to the ESMARConf.

To register your interest in this event, please email neal.haddaway@sei.org before the 1^st January 2021

Who is it for?

The training is aimed at people wishing to commission, conduct or appraise systematic reviews and maps. Knowledge of the scientific method and awareness of academic publishing is needed to make the most of the course. Workshop participants must have completed CEE’s Systematic Review and Mapping Methods course online and passed the tests before joining. It is not obligatory to be registered for the ESMARConf, but we recommend attending both, of course!

What topic areas are relevant?

The workshop and online course will provide examples from environmental management and conservation. A range of synthesis methods will be discussed that are broadly applicable across research methodologies, i.e. qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. Evidence synthesis methods are relevant to evidence synthesis in any discipline, but this course and the work of CEE are particularly relevant for: 

• Biodiversity conservation and conservation science
• Environmental management
• Agroecology
• Ecology and evolution
• Climate science and climate change
• Sustainable development
• Ecosystem services
• Nature-based solutions
• Science policy
• Human wellbeing and nature
• International development
• Urban studies
• … and many more

What will the workshop involve?

The workshop is a follow-on to the existing online training (the 2-day equivalent Systematic Review and Mapping Methodology Course). It will consist of a scheduled 2-hour live workshop where the CEE Training Team and other systematic review experts will support participants who have previously completed the online course.

The workshop will have the following draft programme:

1. Introduction of the CEE Training Team
2. Plenary introduction and summary of the online training learning objectives
3. Short panel discussion of submitted questions (solicited in advance from participants)
4. Break out rooms (each with 1-2 experts on hand to answer questions) will cover the following topics, depending on attendance:
   • Planning a review (question formulation, stakeholder engagement, protocols)
   • Collecting evidence (scoping, searching, screening)
   • Extracting information and mapping the evidence (coding, data extraction, narrative synthesis)
   • Critical appraisal of study validity
   • Systematic mapping
   • Qualitative and mixed methods synthesis
   • Meta-analysis
   • Reporting (writing the report, Open Synthesis, reporting standards)
   • Communication and policy impact
   • Tools to support evidence syntheses
5. Summary in plenary

The online course is delivered through a dedicated website hosted on GitHub (with videos hosted on YouTube). The workshop will be hosted on Zoom.

How much does it cost?

The course and the workshop will be provided entirely free-of-charge.