Evidence Synthesis International (ESI): Position Statement
Authors: David Gough, Phil Davies, Gro Jamtvedt, Etienne Langlois, Julia Littell, Tamara Lotfi, Edoardo Masset, Tracy Merlin, Andrew S. Pullin, Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga, John-Arne Røttingen, Emily Sena, Ruth Stewart, David Tovey, Howard White, Jennifer Yost, Hans Lund & Jeremy Grimshaw
Source: Systematic Reviews 9, 155 (2020). DOI: 10.1186/s13643-020-01415-5
Publication type: Editorial material
Abstract: This paper is the initial Position Statement of Evidence Synthesis International, a new partnership of organizations that produce, support and use evidence synthesis around the world. The paper (i) argues for the importance of synthesis as a research exercise to clarify what is known from research evidence to inform policy, practice and personal decision making; (ii) discusses core issues for research synthesis such as the role of research evidence in decision making, the role of perspectives, participation and democracy in research and synthesis as a core component of evidence ecosystems; (iii) argues for 9 core principles for ESI on the nature and role of research synthesis; and (iv) lists the 5 main goals of ESI as a coordinating partnership for promoting and enabling the production and use of research synthesis.