Launching a new initiative: a living database of research syntheses in applied linguistics

Journal article

Abstract:: This editorial marks the launch of a new initiative to create a continuously updated, open-access database of research syntheses in applied linguistics. Designed as a living resource, the database aims to advance the knowledge base of applied linguistics as an evolving field of study, and to make it easier for researchers, educators, and policymakers to locate relevant and up-to-date evidence to inform research, practice and policy making. Searches are to be conducted across four major databases, Scopus, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO, and EBSCO, using a combination of language-related and synthesis-related search terms. Identified research syntheses will be screened based on carefully designed inclusion/exclusion criteria, categorised by review type and research topic, and summarised in a concise and accessible format. Methodological systematicity, transparency, and reporting clarity will be mapped using the SMART framework. The database will be updated periodically on EPPI Reviewer and displayed as an open-access website using EPPI Visualiser, with each cycle accompanied by a bibliographic meta-review.

Files:: Nie_et_al_2025_Launching_a_new.pdf

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Language:: English
Keywords:: living review

research synthesis

applied linguistics

SMART

meta-review

EPPI Reviewer
Pubs id:: 2319865
Local pid:: pubs:2319865
Deposit date:: 2026-03-09
ARK identifier:: ark:/29072/ora_f7586cec7f6c4447bad2a7c3e8f8731c

Copyright holder:: Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
Notes:: The author accepted manuscript (AAM) of this paper has been made available under the University of Oxford's Open Access Publications Policy, and a CC BY public copyright licence has been applied.

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