PhD Studentship: Advancing Evidence Synthesis: Developing Guidance for Reporting Evidence and Gap Maps (EGMs) and Web-based Evidence Portals

Increasingly web-based visual outputs from evidence synthesis are being produced, often located on project or organisation websites. Outputs such as EGMs enable knowledge users to tailor the evidence in different formats, such as locating evidence from specific settings or populations. These outputs can also support the production of living reviews, where updates of the evidence can be undertaken more rapidly than traditional publication processes.
While text-based outputs are guided by reporting standards such as PRISMA, web-based visual outputs claiming to be 'evidence-based' or 'robust' lack comparable guidance. As web-based interactive dashboards and tools grow in popularity, they may become more accessible evidence resources for the public. Without clear reporting guidance, critical information such as funding sources, affiliations, methods of locating and synthesising evidence, search dates, updates, and stakeholder engagement may not be transparent.
Evidence and Gap Maps and other web-based outputs from evidence synthesis should be rigorously produced and reported to ensure user confidence in their trustworthiness and sustainability. This project will review existing evidence outputs and describe current reporting practices. Using a Delphi approach, expert views will be elicited to design and test guidance for web-based interactive outputs. The student will explore approaches to evaluate the tool's uptake and impact.
Number Of Awards

Applicants must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in an appropriate subject with experience in evidence synthesis. An MRes or MSc is advantageous. International/EU applicants must cover the difference between Home and International fees.
Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subsection. International applicants may need an ATAS clearance certificate before obtaining their visa and studying on this programme.

3-year PhD studentship. Funding covers tuition fees at the Home (UK) rate, an annual stipend of approx. £19,237, 2024/25 and a Research Training and Support Grant (£5,000 p.a.) International students are eligible to apply but required to make up the difference between home and International fees.