Methods in Research Synthesis: Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis
From 19 Jan 2026 until 23 Jan 2026 - BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal (Face-to-face)
Research synthesis, the process of synthesising research findings, has been increasingly in the ecological and biological sciences. The course is developed for students and researchers at an early stage of their career, and aims to provide basics on literature search and review. Participants will be able to:
(1) understand the process of research synthesis, incl. search protocols and software;
(2) conduct a systematic literature search and review; and
(3) apply different methods for analyzing published scientific evidence, such as meta-analysis tools.
PROGRAM
Day 01
Introduction to research synthesis
Protocols of literature searches
Software and literature management
Day 02
Best practices in the literature review process
Analysing the outcomes of literature reviews
Working group session 1 - Practical Exercises
Day 03
Methods and approaches in meta-analysis
Day 04
Advanced tools for optimizing literature reviews
Working group session 2 - Practical Exercises
Day 05
Evaluation
Invited speaker - Artificial intelligence for literature reviews: opportunities and challenges
CALENDAR
5 days - 30h (Friday all day) - Schedule: 09:30 - 12:30 & 14:00 - 17:00
COURSE INSTRUCTORS
Coordination
Cláudia Fernandes | FCUP/ BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
Joana Vicente | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
Instructors
Ana Margarida Medeiros | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO/ FCUP
Ângela Lomba | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
Catarina Patoilo Teixeira | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
Ângela Lomba | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
Catarina Patoilo Teixeira | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
SELECTION CRITERIA
The course will be open to a maximum number of 25 participants.
75% of available student slots are reserved for BIODIV students.
Priority will be given to:
• 1st year and other PhD students attending the BIODIV Doctoral Program;
• PhD students attending other courses;
• Other post-graduate students and researchers.
(A minimum number of participants is required for the course to take place)
APPLICATION
Deadline: 05 December 2025
To apply fill the FORM
A copy of the form will be sent to the email address you provide as proof that you have successfully submitted your application. Results will be emailed to you within 8 working days of the application deadline.
REGISTRATION
95€ (students) | 200€ (other participants).
BIOPOLIS/ CIBIO members will have an additional discount of 20%. Participation is free of charge for BIODIV Students MBGE 1st year Students & CIBIO's TwinLabs
(If applicable, payment will be made to Associação BIOPOLIS - VAT No. 516033727. Information on the payment amount and the payment deadline will be sent together with the results notification, and a proforma invoice may be issued in due time).
MORE INFORMATION
Registration fees do not include accommodation or meals.
No ECTS credits are awarded for attending the course. Participants receive a certificate of attendance without quantitative evaluation.