Open Access and Evidence Synthesis

This session will begin with a discussion on how open access supports several aspects of the evidence synthesis process. We’ll explore the value of having open access sources to include in the synthesis itself and some challenges that must be overcome when searching and accessing sources that require institutional access or are fee-based. We will also address ways to utilize open access repositories (such as VTechWorks and Open Science Framework) to make your synthesis more transparent so that others can properly evaluate, replicate, or use your synthesis. Additionally, we will hear cases from folks who have used open access resources or repositories as a means to support their evidence synthesis projects. Panelists include:

-  Dr. Sofia Rincon Gallardo Patino, Regional consultant on Nutrition and Physical Activity at the Pan American Health Organization

• Dr. Anne Brown, Assistant Professor, Science Informatics Consultant at the University Libraries at Virginia Tech - Dr. Ryan Stewart, Associate Professor, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech