Social Systems Evidence

The world’s best evidence on what works to achieve the SDGs.

Since 2019, the Monash Evidence Review Service (ERS) team have collaborated with McMaster University to co-curate the Social Systems Evidence database.

Social Systems Evidence (SSE) is the biggest centralised database of research reviews, economic evaluations and policy briefs pertaining to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This makes SSE the one-stop shop for policymakers, stakeholders and researchers who are working to achieve the SDGs. The ERS team focuses on adding content pertaining to SDGs 7 (Affordable and clean energy), 13 (Climate action), 14 (Life below water) and 15 (Life on land).

SSE encompasses research evidence on what works; the enabling governance, financial and delivery arrangements; and implementation strategies to ensure that interventions reach those who need them. In addition to mapping evidence to the SDGs, all records are indexed according to government program and service areas, geographical regions and other key characteristics. This enables policymakers and other change leaders to rapidly access evidence relevant to their area of interest and setting.

For each systematic review, SSE also provides an assessment of its methodological quality, and links to the studies contained in the review. Systematic reviews in progress are also catalogued. Access to user-friendly summaries, scientific abstracts, and (where available) links to the full-text version of all evidence contained on SSE is free.

Explore the Social Systems Evidence database.


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Reviews of the moment

As part of our SSE collaboration, the ERS team regularly profiles high-quality reviews being added to the database. Here are our latest ‘reviews of the moment’.

The environmental sustainability performance of family firms: investigating environmental handprint and footprint

A meta-analysis of 87 studies examining how family and non-family firms perform on environmental sustainability. Compares environmental footprint and handprint, highlighting the role of firm size, ownership, and governance in shaping outcomes.

How Formative Assessment Influences Learning in K-12 Education

A research-based review of 13 meta-analyses on how formative assessment shapes K–12 learning. Highlights impacts across subjects, digital tools, feedback models, and teaching strategies that support sustained student improvement.

Population-level interventions addressing social determinants of mental health

It is increasingly recognised that addressing mental health requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond individual treatment. Tackling the root causes can lead to long-lasting improvements in mental well-being.