Evidence synthesis

Evidence synthesis is a joint programme of work by the Royal Society and the Academy of Medical Sciences.

‘Evidence synthesis’ refers to the process of bringing together information from a range of sources and disciplines to inform debates and decisions on specific issues. Decision-making and public debate are best served if policymakers have access to the best current evidence on an issue. An accurate, concise and unbiased synthesis of the evidence is therefore one of the most valuable contributions the research community can offer policymakers.

Despite examples of good practice, there remain challenges with both the supply of, and demand for, synthesised evidence. Research funding and evaluation systems often place higher value on original research, and a lack of communication and understanding between policymakers and researchers can create an unintended disconnect between the questions policymakers are asking and the research that has the potential to provide insight.

This report from the Royal Society and the Academy of Medical Sciences outlines the case for evidence synthesis for policy. It then proposes a set of principles that define the fundamental features of good synthesis to inform policymaking. Finally it proposes changes to the research and policy landscapes that would create a more effective marketplace for synthesis. 

The report reflects discussions at two meetings organised by the Royal Society and the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2017, and draws on expertise from a range of disciplines including medicine, natural sciences, social sciences and international development. 

For further information please see this Nature Comment from Professor Christl Donnelly FRS and colleagues and the blogs presented below.

Using these principles

The Royal Society and Academy of Medical Sciences are adopting the principles in their own work and will work closely with others to support their use.

The Society is producing a series of evidence syntheses reports as part of its Living Landscapes programme.  These reports summarise areas of new or uncertain science relevant to land use policy.

The Royal Society journals now publish evidence synthesis articles. For more information please visit the Proceedings A, Proceedings B and Royal Society Open Science websites.

This statement is also available in Chinese - 这份声明还有中文版本
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