My research focuses on statistical methods for meta-analysis, the quantitative synthesis of information from observational and experimental studies. I am concentrating on developing methods that allow researchers to determine why there is variation in the effectiveness of different interventions. I am also developing models to examine the reliability of meta-analyses and meta-data; undertaking empirical work on biases and developing tools for synthesis of complex interventions. 

Gavin B Stewart, PhD is a CRD Research Fellow. He is an elected member of the Society for Research Synthesis Methodology, associate editor of Research Synthesis Methods, statistical editor for the Cochrane Pain and Palliative Care Group, Royal Statistical Society Fellow and member of the International Society for Bayesian Analysis. Major research interests are the development and application of  statistical methods for meta-analysis and research synthesis. 

 He began his career as a plant ecologist before pioneering the use of systematic review methods to support evidence-informed decision-making in conservation. His interest in research methodology grew from realisation that conclusions are often more dependent on beliefs, methods and bias than information, and increasing skepticism about the utility of p values. Work on ecological and medical applications have resulted in over 60 peer reviewed publications and have highlighted the generic nature of research synthesis despite differences in the domains of applications.