The importance of systematic reviews highlighted at RSU Summer School
From 29 July to 1 August, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) hosted the Baltic-German Systematic Review Summer School to promote research support and improve librarians' skills in systematic review. The event brought together academic library specialists and research support professionals from Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. As part of the international project, participants spent four intensive and inspiring days with colleagues from the field.
International methods in a local context
The Summer school aimed to provide participants with the opportunity to learn scientific evidence synthesis methods used worldwide and adapt them to the local academic and research context. This goal was successfully achieved — participants learned the theoretical basics and developed systematic reviews relevant to their work under the guidance of experienced lecturers.
Topics covered
- Types of Evidence Syntheses
- Systematic Literature Searching
- Data Extraction & Management
- Critical Appraisal of Randomised and Observational Studies, etc.
Experienced industry experts gave lectures and practical assignments at the summer school. These included:
- Dr. Corinna Dressler (Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin Medical Library)
- Meghan Forrest (Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin Medical Library)
- Irma Klerings (Cochrane Austria)
- Paria Aria (Texas Woman's University)
- Paula Milewska (Elsevier)
- Beata Fidzinska (Elsevier)
The contribution and experience of guest lecturers ensured high-quality training and practical guidance in the development of systematic reviews.
Exchange of experience and visits
In addition to the training sessions, participants visited the Academic Center Library of the University of Latvia and the National Library of Latvia, gaining a broader insight into information resource management in Latvia and strengthening professional ties between libraries in the Baltic States.
A Baltic systematic review network was established as part of the project to enable systematic review authors to communicate, obtain support and develop joint projects. To join, please write to the Summer School project manager Elīna Veļa at elina[pnkts]vela
rsu[pnkts]lv.
The RSU Library would like to express its sincere gratitude to all participants and lecturers for their active involvement and professional enthusiasm! Special thanks to the Baltic-German University Liaison Office for its support in organising this event.
This project of the Baltic-German University Liaison Office is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funds from the Foreign Office of the Federal Republic Germany.
