Evidence syntheses process

In dialogue with government agencies, municipalities, interest organisations and researchers, we identify questions that are important to answer in order to achieve Sweden’s environmental objectives. The Council for Evidence-based Environmental Analysis decides which of the questions will proceed to the next step in the selection process and be investigated within the framework of feasibility studies. Through 2025, all evidence syntheses that we initiate must have a link to climate or biodiversity.

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There may be issues that are important to highlight but which, for various reasons, are not suitable for a systematic evidence synthesis. In the feasibility study, we investigate the preconditions. This includes examining whether there seems to be enough research in the area. Based on the conclusions of the feasibility study, the Council for Evidence-based Environmental Analysis decides whether Formas is to conduct an evidence synthesis on the issue or not.

Once the Council for Evidence-based Environmental Analysis has decided that a synthesis is to be conducted, we recruit a group of researchers with in-depth expert knowledge on the topic. The researchers perform a large part of the review and analysis work, and they are scientifically responsible for the project. To ensure impartiality, the researchers must declare any potential conflicts of interest before the work begins.

There are two types of systematic evidence syntheses: systematic reviews and systematic maps. The aim of systematic reviews is to provide as reliable and objective an answer as possible to a well-defined question, based on all the research available on the issue. The aim of systematic maps is to provide a comprehensive picture of all research within a specific area, but without compiling a synthesised answer to a question. The choice of synthesis type depends on the needs of stakeholders and what is possible given the existing research.

Together with the researchers, we draw up a protocol for the evidence synthesis. In the protocol, we detail the methods to be used and the delimitations to be made. External experts review the completed protocol. The reviewers check that the synthesis is planned to be conducted in a methodologically correct manner and that we have considered all important aspects of the question.

To ensure that the synthesis will be as relevant as possible for end-users, we also invite stakeholders to comment on the protocol. We use the guidelines for systematic evidence syntheses in environmental management developed by the international organisation Collaboration for Environmental Evidence.

We conduct an extensive and structured literature search to find all studies that are relevant to the question of focus. Together with the researchers, we examine all identified studies, and only those studies that meet the predefined criteria are included in the evidence synthesis. We present information about these studies, and analyse the data and results reported in them.

We also assess the reliability of the results. If possible, we combine the results of several studies in a meta-analysis, to show what the research as a whole says about the issue. Once the systematic evidence synthesis is finalised, it is reviewed by external experts.

The Council for Evidence-Based Environmental Analysis determines the conclusions of the evidence synthesis, and we then publish a report on Formas’ website. After this, we carry out communication activities to publicise the results.

We use different formats to reach different target groups, such as dialogue meetings, knowledge seminars, and round-table discussions. We collaborate with relevant actors also in this stage, and we are eager to organise activities together with other government agencies and key stakeholders. By maintaining contact with stakeholders throughout the project, we ensure relevance and utility for the work with environmental objectives.