The AIU-ASU-AADC successfully concluded its intensive hands on one-week online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) titled “MetaMastery: A Hands-On FDP on Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis in Research,”. As a key initiative under the Gyanodaya Series, the program aimed to equip faculty members and research scholars across Indian Higher Education Institutions with essential skills in systematic review and meta-analysis (SR/MA). Recognising SR/MA as the highest level of evidence in research hierarchies, the FDP addressed the critical need for capacity building in these advanced methodologies. The initiative was closely aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s emphasis on research-driven teaching and digital competence. Participants were guided through both conceptual frameworks and practical applications using open-access tools, enabling them to independently design, execute, and publish impactful research, even in resource-limited settings.
The rationale behind this program stemmed from the growing importance of evidence-based research in policy, practice, and academic decision-making. Unlike traditional narrative reviews, SR/MA offers systematic, reproducible, and transparent approaches that are crucial across disciplines. The FDP was therefore thoughtfully curated to help participants conceptualize research ideas, familiarize themselves with study designs and sampling techniques, minimize bias, and follow a structured step-by-step process of conducting SR/MA. A highlight of the program was the hands-on training using tools like PRISMA, Rayyan, PROSPERO, OpenEpi, and RevMan. Through this, participants were encouraged to generate high-quality research outputs that meet international publication standards—even without access to elaborate lab or fieldwork infrastructure. This initiative underscored AIU-ASU-AADC’s commitment to fostering continuous professional growth and institutional research effectiveness.
The FDP was inaugurated with a formal virtual ceremony. Ms. Swati Atreya warmly welcomed all participants as the emcee. A heartfelt tribute was paid to Dr. Stya Paul, and an introduction was given about Hon’ble Chancellor Madam and Pro- Chancellor Madam. The Nodal Officer of AIU-ASU-AADC, Dr. Shatakshi Srivastava concluded the session with a vote of thanks to higher leadership and collaborators. This ceremonial start set a thoughtful tone for the week ahead.
Over the five-day program, sessions were designed to walk participants through the full research cycle—from idea formulation to manuscript preparation. On Day 1, Dr. Qaiser Farooq Dar Scientist-C (Biostatistics) and Officer-in-Charge of the ICMR–National Institute of Virology, North Zone, Jammu & Kashmir (UT), introduced the process of transforming a research idea into a structured framework and provided an overview of basic study designs. Day 2 explored various research methodologies relevant to health and social sciences, including cross-sectional studies and randomised controlled trials, and also covered sampling techniques, bias minimization, and sample size calculation. On Day 3, Dr. Ashiq Hussain Bhat, Scientist-C at ICMR–Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), provided foundational knowledge of evidence-based research and guided participants through the key components and steps of conducting systematic reviews. Day 4, led by Dr. Bhat, focused on constructing effective search strategies using databases and Boolean operators, as well as article screening and risk-of-bias assessments. On the final day, Dr. Geetha Menon, Scientist (F), HTAIn (DHR) and as an AcSIR Professor for the Faculty of Medical Research at ICMR introduced participants to meta-analysis, covering concepts like effect size, heterogeneity, and interpreting forest plots. The program concluded with a detailed discussion on how to effectively report results, draw conclusions, and submit manuscripts to high-impact journals.
By the end of the program, participants had acquired a thorough understanding of the entire research process. They developed the ability to design research studies, perform systematic reviews, and conduct basic meta-analyses using user-friendly, open-access tools. Importantly, the FDP emphasized that meaningful, publishable research is possible even in settings with limited infrastructure—offering a hopeful and empowering message for educators and scholars across the country.
The MetaMastery FDP not only fulfilled its objectives but also reinforced the importance of evidence-based research practices in academia. Its successful implementation showcases the potential of capacity-building initiatives in strengthening India’s research ecosystem. AIU-ASU-AADC remains steadfast in its mission to drive academic excellence and empower educators through impactful, forward-looking programs like this.