Meta-Science Summer School 2026: Designing and Conducting Studies To Improve Research

Concerned about the reproducibility and transparency of research? Interested in learning more about meta-research, or the science of science? Looking for hands-on experience? Excited to work with other early career researchers across disciplines?

Participants will learn more about meta-research by designing and starting to collect data for a meta-research study in a small team. Participants may choose to keep working after the summer school to complete and publish their project. (In English)

Apply for the Meta-Science Summer School to learn more about meta-research by working collaboratively in a small team to design a meta-research study. After the summer school, some groups may decide to continue working with their instructors to complete and publish their study.

The Meta-Science Summer School is organized in cooperation between the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), the German Reproducibility Network (GRN), the META REP Priority Program, iRise and the University of Coimbra EXCELScIOR project ERA chair.

 
What is meta-research?
Meta-research, or research on research, studies apply the scientific method to study the research process and ecosystem. This may include examining the design, conduct, reporting and dissemination of research, factors that influence the assessment of research or the composition of the research workforce. Meta-researchers may also develop, test, or implement interventions to improve research culture and practice.

Please note: This summer school is not focusing on meta-analysis. Meta-analysis refers to the process of systematically identifying all studies that address a particular research question (systematic review). While some meta-research uses similar techniques, there are clear differences to systematic reviews.

 
Description
Rather than focusing on a few pre-selected topics during the summer school, instructors will support participants in developing meta-reseach study proposals that are relevant to their own work and will provide value to the research community. An international group of experienced meta-researchers will work closely with each group to develop a study proposal.

Full program and more information here.

Applications until May 22 here.

Scientific coordination and organisation

Dr. Tracey Weissgerber (Team leader EXCELScIOR project ERA Chair, University of Coimbra, Portugal | Guest researcher BIH QUEST Center)

Dr. Vladislav Nachev (Data Scientist BIH QUEST Center)