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Join us for our Summer School at the University of Galway from May 20th to 22nd, 2025, for a hands-on three-day summer school on “Introduction to Evidence Synthesis.” This course is tailored for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills. While focusing on health, the methods taught apply in multiple fields. Through interactive lectures, discussions, and practical exercises, you’ll learn how to conduct systematic reviews and evidence syntheses that can influence research and policy decisions.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of this summer school participants will:
- Understand the importance and principles of evidence synthesis, including systematic reviews.
- Understand how to formulate clear and focused research questions using appropriate frameworks.
- Learn how to develop a systematic review protocol following established guidelines.
- Know how to conduct comprehensive literature searches across multiple databases and sources.
- Gain knowledge of selecting relevant studies and extracting necessary data effectively.
- Understand the principles of assessing the risk of bias in different types of studies using standard tools.
- Understand the principles of both quantitative and qualitative synthesis methods.
- Be introduced to tools like GRADE to evaluate the certainty of evidence.
- Understand the application of these methods to their own research or professional practice across various sectors.
- Connect with peers and experts.
Audience:
Beginners and those with some knowledge seeking to learn or refresh their skills in evidence synthesis, Systematic review authors, guideline developers, health and social care professionals, academics, researchers, postgraduate students, policy and decision-makers, Evidence Synthesis Ireland Fellows and other professionals, anyone interested in evidence synthesis methods.
Pre-requisites:
- Laptop required
- A basic understanding of research methods (not limited to health research)
An interest in learning or enhancing knowledge on systematic reviews and evidence synthesis.
Event Accommodation:
A limited number of rooms have been reserved on a first come first served basis at Dunlin Village, located on the University of Galway campus. These can be booked via this webpage, available from May 20th to 22nd, 2025. You can view a video tour of one of the apartments here. A free shuttle bus runs between the accommodation and the conference venue on campus. Alternatively, walking would take 15–20 minutes.
- Check-in: From 4:00 pm
- Check-out: Before 10:00 am
The facilities include:
- 24-hour staff presence
- Free Wi-Fi
- Common areas
- Shop/café
- Tennis court
- Self-service laundry facilities
Dunlin Village is situated by the River Corrib on the University campus, conveniently close to the University’s academic, meeting, and sports facilities. It’s also within easy reach of Galway city centre.
Other Accommodation in Galway
There are numerous hotels, bed and breakfasts and other accommodation providers in Galway. Please see www.discoverireland.ie for further information or check other online booking sites.
Travel:
The University of Galway is located just minutes from Galway city centre on Ireland’s West Coast. You can view the location on a map here.
Travelling to Ireland
Ireland is accessible via daily direct flights from many cities worldwide, with affordable flights from the UK making it even more accessible. The nearest airports to Galway are:
- Shannon Airport: About 1 hour and 5 minutes by road.
- Dublin Airport: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes by road.
- Knock Airport: Roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes by road.
Ireland can also be reached by ferry from France, Spain, and the UK.
Visas
If you’re not a citizen of the UK, Switzerland, or the European Economic Area (EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), you may need a visa to enter Ireland. Check if you need a visa here.
Getting to Galway
Galway has a well-developed public transport network connecting it to Dublin, Shannon, and Knock airports. Although Dublin Airport is the farthest, it offers the most flight options and frequent bus services to Galway. We recommend purchasing bus tickets online in advance as buses can be fully booked. Options to reach Galway include:
- From Shannon Airport: Bus Éireann provides direct service to Galway, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- From Dublin Airport: Direct transfers operated by Bus Éireann and Citylink offer air-conditioned coaches with free Wi-Fi. Travel time ranges from 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on whether the bus is direct or stops in Dublin City.
- From Dublin City: Irish Rail provides direct transfers with a travel time of 2 hours and 10 minutes (Note: Irish Rail does not operate from Dublin Airport). Bus Éireann and Citylink also provide bus services from Dublin City, taking around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- From Knock (Ireland West Airport): Bus Éireann operates a direct service to Galway with a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Note that only five buses per day run between Knock and Galway.
Getting Around Galway
Buses are the most convenient way to travel around Galway, with extensive routes serving the suburbs from early morning until night. Fares are affordable, but only coins are accepted by drivers. For more details on routes and pricing, visit:
Taxis are also readily available via the FreeNow app or from taxi ranks around the city.
Galway is an excellent city for cycling, with a well-developed network of bike paths. TFI bike stations are conveniently located throughout the city, providing easy access for tourists and locals.
