Systematic Review Information Specialist

Research and publication support for systematic searching and transparent and reproducible reporting of evidence-synthesising secondary studies

Key data

Degree: Certificate of Advanced Studies FHNW Systematic Review Information Specialist
ECTS points: 10
Next start: 15.01.2027
Final application date: Fri, 13.11.2026
Teaching language: English
Place: Online and Muttenz
Fee: CHF 5600

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The Campus Muttenz Library, together with the University Medical Library Basel, offers a certified continuing education programme for research and publication support of systematic reviews (and related study types) at the FHNW School of Life Sciences. The CAS programme focuses on examples from various health-related fields and also draws from other disciplines wherever possible and is open to participants from all empirical disciplines. The CAS programme includes learning on how to:

conduct systematic literature searches
create transparent and reproducible reports
provide specific methodological advice

Organisation

Target audience

The CAS programme is aimed at university graduates from all empirical disciplines. It is particularly for those in academic libraries, universities and research institutions who regularly support and/or participate in systematic review teams.

The admission criteria are defined in the programme description (see downloads).

Learning Outcomes

Participants complete the CAS programme with a systematic research project in accordance with the methodological requirements (final thesis). On completion of the programme, participants will know

the job description of information specialists and their various roles
the methodological requirements (completeness, transparency, reproducibility) for conducting systematic reviews and the methodological processes involved
specific guidelines, frameworks and digital tools for carrying out the individual steps of systematic reviews, and be able to apply these
qualitative/quantitative methods for synthesising evidence and be able to carry out an independent systematic literature search in a relevant area, document it and write it up as part of a scientific publication
strategies for establishing and publicising the service in their institution
how to advise researchers on systematic reviews
the most important resources for following methodological developments in systematic review implementation, and thus continuously and independently expand their knowledge

Format

The CAS programme requires around 250 hours of work, divided into:

3 attendance blocks of 2.5 days each (Fri/Sat plus Sunday morning in January, February and May)
48 online lessons (16 evenings on Thursdays between 4 and 7 pm at latest, up to 3 lessons, from January to June)
Final thesis (approx. 50-60 hours, July to December)

For accommodation during attendance blocks in Muttenz, please note that prices may be more affordable in close by towns in Germany or France. Public transport within the greater Basel area is excellent, we recommend the SBB app for easy public transport navigation

Lecturers

PD Dr Christian Appenzeller-Herzog (University Medical Library Basel)
Dr Hannah Ewald (University Medical Library Basel)
Dr Thomas Fürst (University Medical Library Basel)
Dr Heike Gerger (Department of Family Medicine, Maastricht University and Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam)
Dr Julian Hirt (RefHunter; Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel; OST - University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland)
Dr Andreas Ledl (Head of New Philologies, Economics and Educational Science, Zurich University Library)
Dr. Maria-Inti Metzendorf (Institute of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf)
Monika Wechsler (University Medical Library Basel)

All lecturers are fluent in German and can help if critical understanding issues arise during the live lessons.

Downloads

Programme specific

General Documents

Graduates tell us

Portrait of Alisa Berger, Liaison Librarian Medicine — Alisa Berger, Liaison Librarian Medicine
Further testimonials