JBI LIVE WEBINAR - Equity in Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

Equity is a core principle of qualitative evidence synthesis; however, translating equity concepts into methodological practice remains complex and inconsistently applied.

This webinar brings together international experts to explore how equity can be meaningfully and systematically integrated into qualitative evidence synthesis, from foundational methodological principles through to applied tools.

Speakers will examine equity within the recently updated meta-aggregation guidance, discuss strategies for addressing equity across diverse forms of qualitative evidence, and highlight practical applications using the CAMELOT tool.

The presentations will be followed by a facilitated panel discussion, drawing on international perspectives to reflect on current challenges, emerging opportunities, and future directions for embedding equity across qualitative synthesis processes.

This 90-minute JBI LIVE webinar is intended for qualitative researchers, evidence synthesis methodologists, guideline developers, and others involved in evidence-informed decision-making who wish to strengthen the integration of equity within qualitative synthesis.

Date/Time: 

23 March, 2026

Adelaide, Australia (ACDT): 5:30pm
Nottingham, UK (GMT): 7:00am
Krems, Austria (CET): 8:00am
Johannesburg, South Africa (SAST): 9:00am
Kochi, India (IST): 12:30pm

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This webinar will be recorded. Subscribe to JBI's YouTube channel to be alerted when the recorded webinar is available.

JBI Host: Dr Kylie Porritt 
Presenters/Panellists: Prof Catrin Evans, A/Prof Lynn Hendricks, A/Prof Isolde Sommer, and Dr Vineetha K

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About JBI

JBI is a global organisation promoting and supporting evidence-based decisions that improve health and health service delivery. JBI offers a unique range of solutions to access, appraise and apply the best available evidence. JBI is driven to improve health outcomes in communities globally by promoting and supporting the use of the best available evidence to inform decisions made at the point of care. This work begins and ends with the needs of those working in and using healthcare services. Find out more about JBI at jbi.global

About Dr Kylie Porritt

Dr Kylie Porritt is Director of the Transfer Science Division at JBI, Adelaide University, and has contributed to evidence-based healthcare for over two decades. Her work is underpinned by a strong commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to high-quality evidence, with a focus on ensuring research meaningfully benefits clinicians, policymakers, and underserved populations. Kylie leads a multidisciplinary team that develops and maintains more than 5,000 rigorous evidence-based resources used by over 4,500 healthcare facilities across 61 countries. Her research focuses on advancing methodologies for point-of-care guidance, rapid evidence synthesis, and qualitative evidence synthesis. She has played a key role in developing the globally recognised meta-aggregation approach and currently leads research redeveloping the CONQual method for assessing confidence in meta-aggregative review findings, alongside work exploring the safe integration of artificial intelligence into evidence-based workflows.

About Prof Catrin Evans

Catrin is a nurse by profession and a Professor of Evidence-Based Healthcare. She is primarily a qualitative researcher, and much of her work focuses on women’s healthcare. Catrin has a strong interest in evidence synthesis methodologies, and she is co-Director of the Nottingham JBI Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare. Within JBI, Catrin is a member of the Scoping Review Methodology Group and currently chairs the Qualitative Methodology Group. As part of the latter role, Catrin has been leading a program of work to support better integration of, and sensitivity to, equity within JBI’s guidance on Qualitative Evidence Synthesis. 

About A/Prof Lynn Hendricks

Prof Lynn Hendricks is an Associate Professor at Stellenbosch University (SU) with a joint PhD in Social Science and Public Health. She specialises in methods innovation, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge translation. Lynn leads SU's Social and Environmental Determinants of Health group, the COCREATE Research Equity for Health Lab, directs Research Ambition, and co-directs Hearts in Action. A Gilead Public Health and Microsoft Society & AI fellow, she is a board member of SU's Centre for HIV/AIDS Management. Her creative, community-focused research includes public art exhibitions and documentaries. Lynn has received awards from Springer Nature, Cochrane, and PsySSA for her contributions to inclusive health research.

About A/Prof Isolde Sommer

Isolde Sommer is an Associate Professor for evidence-based medicine at the University for Continuing Education Krems in Austria and Deputy Director at Cochrane Austria. She has over 10 years of experience in managing and conducting evidence synthesis for local and international clients (e.g. World Health Organisation (WHO), the American College of Physicians (ACP), and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)). She is particularly interested in the further development of methods for evidence synthesis, particularly qualitative evidence synthesis. Isolde is a member of the GRADE-CERQual group and a co-developer of CAMELOT (Cochrane Qualitative Methodological Limitations Assessment Tool).

About Dr Vineetha K

Dr Vineetha K is a dental health professional at Amrita School of Dentistry and the Deputy Director of the JBI Amrita Centre for Evidence-Based Oral Health, India. She is an experienced researcher specialising in evidence synthesis, qualitative research methodologies, and mixed-methods research. Passionate about health education and promotion, her work focuses on advancing oral health through evidence-based practices and community engagement. Skilled in data analysis, both quantitative and qualitative. Certified JBI Systematic Review Trainer with extensive experience conducting workshops across India to train researchers in systematic reviews. Involved in health education, community engagement, and health promotion, contributing to evidence-based advancements in public health.

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We look forward to welcoming you to this JBI LIVE webinar.

Any questions? Please contact jbicommunication@adelaide.edu.au