This workshop on "Research Synthesis" was fourth in the series of Academic Curricular Exchange programs (ACE-IV) and was held on the 27th of January 2024. The event aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively understand the need as well as application of various research synthesis methods employed in research during today’s time. This Academic Curricular Exchange was organized together by the Department of Public Health Dentistry, MCODS Mangalore and  Post Graduate Research Vertical, MCODS< Mangalore.

Agenda: The workshop was structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience through a combination of lectures and hands-on practice. The agenda included the following segments:

1.Welcome Address: The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Ramya Shenoy, Professor, and Head of the Department of Public Health Dentistry. Dr. Shenoy highlighted the significance of research synthesis in gaining in-depth insights and encouraged participants to make the most of the workshop.

2. Lecture on Research Synthesis: Dr. Violet D’Souza delivered an informative lecture on the fundamental needs to conduct research synthesis and its relevance in various domains. The session covered the various methods employed in research synthesis and introduced participants to the need for increasing transparency in research synthesis for making research more reliable.

3. Lecture on Scoping Review: Dr. Parul Dasson Bajaj delivered a detailed lecture on the various methodological frameworks used to conduct scoping reviews. This was followed by step-by -step discussion on the conduct of scoping reviews along with the essential elements and the use of appropriate checklists for the same.   

4. Hands-on Session: Following the lecture, participants engaged in a hands-on session led by Dr. Bajaj. The focus of this session was to introduce participants to the software tool Atlas Ti to conduct qualitative data synthesis as part of the scoping review while guiding them through the practical aspects of importing, organizing, and coding qualitative data.

5. Interactive Discussions: The workshop encouraged active participation through interactive discussions. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and clarify doubts related to the lecture and hands-on session.

The event was well-received, with attendees expressing their satisfaction with the informative lectures and hands-on practice. The workshop not only contributed to the professional development of the participants but also fostered meaningful interactions and collaborations among researchers from diverse backgrounds. The organizers and participants alike considered the workshop a success in promoting qualitative research excellence.