Evidence Synthesis and Guidelines

Evidence synthesis is the backbone of advanced healthcare decision making.

We conduct high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses that support transformative changes in healthcare and prevention globally, and lead methodological advancements that improve the quality of medical evidence across the board.

Our focus areas

Research units

Cochrane Australia

The Australian arm of this globally renowned organisation resides in our School. Cochrane Australia delivers trusted evidence services, tailored training and methodological expertise, supporting over 3,000 local Cochrane contributors in our region.

Co-Directors

Professor Sally Green
Dr Steve McDonald

Department of General Practice

With expertise in clinical practice and guideline development implementation, we leverage our established engagement with policy influencers to conduct policy- and practice-relevant research that improves the implementation of clinical guidelines in general practice.

Head of Department

Professor Danielle Mazza AM

Health and Social Care

We work at the intersection of public health, psychology, social sciences, clinical care and communications, to generate evidence that supports policies and programs that improve community health and wellbeing.

Head of Unit

Professor Helen Skouteris

Methods in Evidence Synthesis

We develop and evaluate statistical and research methodology to optimise evidence synthesis. With implementation and accessibility at the heart of everything we do, our aim is to increase the value of research for healthcare decision making.

Head of Unit

Professor Joanne McKenzie

Centres and major initiatives

Australian Living Evidence Consortium

A world-first initiative uniting leading experts in evidence synthesis, guideline development and digital technologies to build a next generation system for delivering reliable, accessible, up-to-date evidence in health through living guidelines.

Melbourne Branch of the Australasian EQUATOR Centre

We’re part of the global EQUATOR Network, dedicated to improving reliability and value of health research literature by promoting transparent, standardised and accurate practices and publication.

NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in improving Immunoglobulin use and clinical outcomes (OPTIMAL)

OPTIMAL is laying the foundation for Australia’s first evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to ensure costly immunoglobulin therapy is used where it is needed most.

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement 2020

Our methodologists led a team of 25 core experts from around the world on the 2020 update of this international gold standard for conducting and publishing meta-analyses and systematic reviews.