Help Shape the Future of Systematic Review Training for Researchers in LMICs

Are you a researcher from a low- or middle-income country (LMIC)?

Your experience and insights can help shape the future of training and capacity-building in systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

The Systematic Reviews Network (SRN) is currently conducting a short Needs Assessment Survey targeted at early-career researchers in LMICs. The goal is to better understand the challenges, opportunities, and training needs of researchers who want to conduct high-quality evidence syntheses.

Why This Survey Matters

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are critical tools in evidence-based research.

• Systematic reviews synthesize available research on a clearly defined question using transparent and rigorous methods.

• Meta-analyses combine data from multiple studies to identify overall trends and provide stronger conclusions.

However, many researchers in LMICs face barriers such as limited training opportunities, access to tools, mentorship, and funding. By gathering insights directly from researchers, SRN hopes to design more relevant, practical, and accessible capacity-building programmes.

About the Systematic Reviews Network (SRN)

The Systematic Reviews Network was originally established in 2022 as the African Community for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (ACSRM). The initiative was launched with seed funding from the International Network for Advancing Science and Policy (INASP) to strengthen research capacity in LMICs.

SRN focuses on improving the production, use, and translation of research evidence, particularly through training programmes in systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

About the Needs Assessment

SRN aims to collect at least 5,000 responses from researchers across LMICs. The findings will:

• Be published in a peer-reviewed journal

• Be shared openly on SRN’s communication platforms

• Inform future training programmes, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives

All responses will be analyzed in aggregate, and no individual responses will be identifiable.

Take the Survey

The survey takes approximately 3 minutes to complete.

👉 Survey Link: https://bit.ly/srna25

If you are an early-career researcher in an LMIC, your voice is important. Your feedback will help ensure that future training programmes are designed to address the real needs of researchers working in resource-limited settings.

Please also share the survey with colleagues and networks who may benefit from contributing their perspectives.