A protocol before conclusions
The review question, eligibility criteria, search sources, screening method and synthesis approach are specified in advance, with deviations documented.
RESEARCH SERVICE / GARC
Systematic, Scoping & Evidence Reviews
Structured approaches to synthesize and interpret existing research.
GARC / RESEARCH
What GARC can deliver
Structured approaches to synthesize and interpret existing research.
Potential outputs
Systematic review support, scoping reviews, evidence maps
Who it is for
Public institutions, universities, research organizations, foundations and specialist organizations with a defined evidence or research need.
Method and governance
Each engagement begins with a defined question and scope. Appropriate methods, source transparency, quality review, data protection and required ethics approvals are agreed before implementation.
GARC / RESEARCH
Related capabilities
All services
Research Services
Research, evidence, evaluation, policy intelligence, knowledge translation and research infrastructure for institutions.
View pageGovernanceResearch Governance, Quality & Integrity
Scientific integrity, responsible governance, ethical research, data stewardship and quality improvement guide the center’s development.
View pageCollaborationPartner with GARC
Explore research and knowledge collaboration with universities, institutions, public bodies and specialist organizations.
View pageSERVICE APPROACH
From question to deliverable
The scope and proposed output are agreed before research begins. The work is presented as a capability, not a claim of a completed GARC commission.
Choose the appropriate review
A systematic review addresses a focused question; a scoping review maps the breadth of a field; a rapid review narrows methods explicitly to meet a decision timetable.
Transparent interpretation
Outputs show the search date, study selection, evidence characteristics, uncertainty and applicability. A review does not turn weak or conflicting studies into certainty.
WORKFLOW
How an engagement is governed
The details vary by project, but the decision gates remain explicit.
Scope and proposal
Agree the question, audience, deliverables, timeline, access needs and review responsibilities in writing.
Ethics, data and rights
Assess whether human-participant approval is needed, define data handling and agree authorship, intellectual property and publication conditions.
Review and use
Review the draft for accuracy, limitations and accessibility before release; agree how the output will inform a real decision or next research step.
SCOPING EXAMPLE
Example scoping question
A practical way to define the engagement before work begins.
A starting question
Is the need to estimate an effect, map a broad field or summarize evidence rapidly for a time-limited decision?
A possible output package
Review protocol, search log, screening record, evidence table, synthesis, limitations and a source-linked brief.
What is agreed at the outset
The parties agree the final scope, method, review, responsibilities, timeline and permitted use before any commitment is described as an active GARC project.