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Advancing responsible AI in evidence synthesis
Please note: Website under construction
About us
The EPPI Centre AI Lab is a collaborative initiative bringing together researchers, methodologists and technology specialists working on the responsible development, evaluation and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in evidence synthesis and primary research.
Based within the EPPI Centre at UCL, the Lab brings together the Centre's longstanding expertise in evidence synthesis methods, research technology and automation. It coordinates major AI and technology development projects, including our evidence synthesis software EPPI Reviewer, alongside methodological research, evaluation, training and international collaboration.
Our mission
Our mission is to advance the responsible use of AI while protecting the methodological rigour, transparency and integrity on which trustworthy research evidence depends. We seek to understand where AI can add value, how its performance should be evaluated and what safeguards are needed to support its effective use.
Our approach
Rigorous evaluation
Assessing the accuracy, reliability, limitations and practical value of AI methods and technologies.
Responsible innovation
Developing and applying AI with attention to transparency, research integrity and methodological standards.
Shared expertise
Building capacity through training, guidance, partnerships and accessible research resources.
What we do
The AI Lab brings together a portfolio of major AI and research technology projects, alongside methodological expertise, evaluation, training and international collaboration. Our activities span four interconnected areas:
01
Research, methods and evaluation
We develop and evaluate methods for integrating AI into evidence synthesis, investigating the accuracy, reliability, efficiency and limitations of emerging technologies.
Our research focuses on understanding when and how AI can be used effectively, both in evidence synthesis and teaching, learning and research more broadly, developing robust evaluation approaches, and ensuring that methodological quality and transparency remain central to AI-supported research.
02
Technology development and innovation
The AI Lab encompasses major technology development projects within the EPPI Centre, including EPPI Reviewer, our specialist software for evidence synthesis.
Through EPPI Reviewer and other AI and technology initiatives, we develop, test and implement innovative tools that support evidence synthesis workflows, from study identification and screening to data extraction, analysis and the maintenance of living evidence resources.
Working with external partners and the wider evidence synthesis community, we aim to ensure that these technologies are accessible, practical and responsive to researchers' needs.
03
Teaching, training and capacity building
We support researchers, practitioners and organisations to develop the knowledge and skills needed to use AI responsibly and effectively.
Through workshops, short courses, seminars and practical resources, we provide training in AI-assisted evidence synthesis, prompt development, methodological evaluation and the critical appraisal of AI-generated outputs.
Our training emphasises both the opportunities and limitations of AI, supporting informed decisions about its appropriate use.
04
Collaboration and international leadership
We work with researchers, institutions, evidence organisations and technology developers to advance the responsible use of AI in evidence synthesis.
Through interdisciplinary partnerships, methodological guidance and engagement with national and international initiatives, we contribute to the development of shared standards, robust evaluation practices and innovative approaches to evidence synthesis.
Meet our leadership team
The Lab is led by two Co-Directors and two Associate Directors, each with responsibility for a complementary area of activity.
Co-Director
Teaching, training and capacity building
Co-Director
Collaboration and international leadership
Associate Director
Methods and evaluation
Associate Director
Technology development and innovation
Beyond its leadership team, the AI Lab also brings together EPPI Centre researchers, methodologists, and technology specialists working across its research and development projects. The Lab also collaborates with external researchers and organisations to advance methodological innovation and the responsible use of AI in evidence synthesis.
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