Systematic evidence syntheses

Formas is tasked with helping to achieve Sweden’s environmental objectives by systematically analysing and compiling results from published research. Our mission also includes identifying areas where the state of knowledge is disputed or insufficiently known, since this is where the syntheses can be most useful. We fulfil our mission mainly by producing so-called systematic evidence syntheses.

Decision support based on scientific knowledge

Formas’ evidence syntheses are to serve as scientifically based decision support for municipalities, government agencies and other stakeholders that develop and manage environmental policy instruments and measures. To ensure that the syntheses are as relevant and useful as possible, we involve stakeholders throughout the process, from identifying a question to be investigated to communicating the conclusions of the evidence synthesis.

Systematic, objective and transparent

The aim of systematic evidence syntheses is to draw the most reliable conclusions possible on an issue, based on all research available on that issue. Achieving this requires a methodology that is grounded in being systematic, objective, and transparent. We use the guidelines for systematic evidence syntheses in environmental management developed by the international organisation Collaboration for Environmental Evidence External link.. To ensure high scientific quality, we involve a team of expert scientists in each project. The researchers are responsible for the scientific assessment and analysis. Read more about the process.

Socio-economic analyses strengthen relevance

We complement the evidence syntheses with a socio-economic analysis when this is relevant. The design of the socio-economic analysis varies depending on the issue in focus and the conclusions reached by the evidence synthesis. For example, when research shows that a specific environmental measure has an effect, the socio-economic analysis may aim to assess whether it is also socio-economically justified to introduce the measure in question. Read more about different types of socio-economic analyses here.

The Council for Evidence-based Environmental Analysis guides the work

The Council for Evidence-based Environmental Analysis is a special executive body whose members are appointed by the Government. The council decides which evidence syntheses Formas is to conduct and determines the conclusions of each completed evidence synthesis.