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Staff Profile

Dr Gavin Stewart

Reader in Interdisciplinary Evidence

  • Personal Website:
Background

I am interested in research synthesis (combining scientific information to inform policy). My research focuses on applying evidence-based methods to trans-disciplinary problems relating to sustainable development and food security. I also work on specific applications in healthcare, environmental and social science domains. Methodological work focuses on validating existing methods and developing new techniques for evidence synthesis (by means of systematic review and meta-analysis), and evidence contextualization (by means of decision and systems analysis). I collaborate with others to disseminate the methodologies of evidence-based practice across disciplines reflecting a belief in generic methods for evidence-based x (EBX). I hate p values and am a passionate advocate of both meta-analysis and open science.


I believe that the best science is done in a transparent non hierarchical manner with an emphasis on team-work. I hate the toxic and coercive interactions that are a feature of broken academia. Please be respectful of both my expertise and feelings in any professional interactions.


 Outside of research synthesis, I enjoy fell/ultra running, underground exploration, gardening (particularly dwarf rhododendrons, arctic-alpines, and vegetables), fly fishing and drinking beer and whisky. I am also busy as a Dad and husband.


My >200 publications are listed on and the majority are available on .



Research

I am the quantitative methods lead on the Metius project: https://www.ukri.org/news/ai-investment-to-transform-global-policy-with-scientific-evidence/


UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced funding for a landmark investment to revolutionise how scientific evidence and research is synthesised and delivered to policymakers in the UK and worldwide.

Mobilising evidence through artificial intelligence (AI) and user-informed synthesis (METIUS) is a new infrastructure.

It aims to harness cutting-edge AI to dramatically improve the speed, relevance and accessibility of evidence synthesis for decision-makers tackling urgent challenges.

Science Minister, Lord Vallance, said:

The challenge for policymakers is often in sourcing the specific information they need from troves of research, rather than a lack of available evidence.
This UK-led project will use AI to pinpoint the information researchers need, and quickly, to improve outcomes in everything from education to justice, climate change to international development, which ultimately benefits us all.

Strengthen the UK’s position in research

Stian Westlake, Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Executive Chair, said:

AI has enormous potential to turn a mass of diffuse research into synthesised, useful summaries, which can help policy makers and practitioners deliver better outcomes for citizens.
This new infrastructure investment has the potential to transform how evidence informs policy decisions, and strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in research and innovation, driving economic growth and improving lives.

METIUS is funded by UKRI through ESRC and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) with co-funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

Publications

  • Articles

    • Robinson AD, Acikalin S, Stewart G, Bishop BA, Robbins LJ, Flynn SL. . Applied Geochemistry 2025, 188, 106428.
    • O'Connell NE, Belton J, Crombez G, Eccleston C, Fisher E, Ferraro MC, Hood A, Keefe F, Knaggs R, Norris E, Palermo TM, Pickering G, Pogatzki-Zahn E, Rice AS, Richards G, Segelcke D, Smart KM, Soliman N, Stewart G, Tolle T, Turk D, Vollert J, Wainwright E, Wilkinson J, Williams ACDC. . Journal of Pain 2025, 28, 104736.
    • Robinson AD, Acikalin S, Stewart G, Bishop B, Robbins LJ, Flynn S. . EarthArXiv 2024. Submitted.
    • Boyd RJ, Stewart GB, Pescott OL. . Ecology 2024, 105(2), e4214.
    • Aloe AM, Dewidar O, Hennessy EA, Pigott T, Stewart G, Welch V, Wilson DB, Campbell MECCIR Working Group. . Campbell Systematic Reviews 2024, 20(4), e1445.
    • O'Connell N, Moore RA, Stewart G, Fisher E, Hearn L, Eccleston C, Wewege M, De C Williams AC. . Journal of Pain 2023, 24(12), 2103-2130.
    • Marikyan D, Papagiannidis S, Stewart G. . Journal of Information Science 2026, 52(2), 429-450.
    • Carrick J, Bell D, Fitzsimmons C, Gray T, Stewart G. . Journal of Environmental Planning and Management 2023, 66(14), 2854-2877.
    • Pescott OL, Stewart GB. . Journal of Applied Ecology 2022, 59(5), 1187-1190.
    • Boyd RJ, Powney GD, Burns F, Danet A, Duchenne F, Grainger MJ, Jarvis SG, Martin G, Nilsen EB, Porcher E, Stewart GB, Wilson OJ, Pescott OL. . Methods in Ecology and Evolution 2022, 13(7), 1497-1507.
    • Sharma Waddington H, Wilson DB, Pigott T, Stewart G, Aloe AM, Tugwell P, Welch V. . Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 2022, 152, 311-313.
    • Reed MS, Young DM, Taylor NG, Andersen R, Bell NGA, Cadillo-Quiroz H, Grainger M, Heinemeyer A, Hergoualc'h K, Gerrand AM, Kieft J, Krisnawati H, Lilleskov EA, Lopez-Gonzalez G, Melling L, Rudman H, Sjogersten S, Walker JS, Stewart G. . Mires and Peat 2022, 28, 26.
    • Piras S, Righi S, Setti M, Koseoglu N, Grainger MJ, Stewart GB, Vittuari M. . Resources, Conservation and Recycling 2022, 176, 105952.
    • Iqbal WA, Stewart GB, Smith A, Errington L, Seal CJ. . Campbell Systematic Reviews 2021, 17(3), e1186.
    • Whittingham MJ, McKenzie AJ, Francksen RM, Feige D, Cadwallender T, Grainger M, Fazaa N, Rhymer C, Wilkinson C, Lloyd P, Smurthwaite B, Percival SM, Morris-Hale T, Rawcliffe C, Dewson C, Woods S, Stewart GB, Oughton E. . Bird Study 2020, 67(2), 264-267.
    • Grainger MJ, Bolam FC, Stewart GB, Nilsen EB. . Nature Ecology & Evolution 2020, 4, 495-497.
    • Bolam FC, Grainger MJ, Mengersen KL, Stewart GB, Sutherland WJ, Runge MC, McGowan PJK. . Biological Reviews 2019, 94(2), 629-647.
    • Whittingham MJ, McKenzie AJ, Francksen RM, Feige D, Cadwallender T, Grainger M, Fazaa N, Rhymer C, Wilkinson C, Lloyd P, Smurthwaite B, Percival SM, Morris-Hale T, Rawcliffe C, Dewson C, Woods S, Stewart GB, Oughton E. . Bird Study 2019, 66(4), 431-440.
    • Carrick J, Abdul Rahim MSAB, Adjei C, Ashraa Kalee HHH, Banks SJ, Bolam FC, Campos Luna IM, Clark B, Cowton J, Domingos IFN, Golicha DD, Gupta G, Grainger M, Hasanaliyeva G, Hodgson DJ, Lopez-Capel E, Magistrali AJ, Merrell IG, Oikeh I, Othman MS, Ranathunga Mudiyanselage TKR, Samuel CWC, Sufar EKH, Watson PA, Zakaria NNAB, Stewart G. . Journal of Flood Risk Management 2019, 12(S2), e12484.
    • Clark B, Panzone LA, Stewart GB, Kyriazakis I, Niemi JK, Latvala T, Tranter R, Jones P, Frewer LJ. . PLOS One 2019, 14(1), e0210432.
    • McGowan PJG, Stewart GB, Long G, Grainger MJ. . Nature Sustainability 2019, 2, 43-45.
    • Stavrakakis S, Loisel F, Sakkas P, Le Floc'H N, Kyriazakis I, Stewart G, Montagne L. . Animal 2019, 13(7), 1508-1518.
    • Grainger MJ, Aramyan L, Logatchevac K, Piras S, Righi S, Settib M, Vittuari M, Stewart GB. . Global Food Security 2018, 16, 1-8.
    • Grainger MJ, Aramyan L, Piras S, Quested TE, Righi S, Setti M, Vittuari M, Stewart GB. . PLOS one 2018, 13(2), e0192075.
    • Gurevitch J, Koricheva J, Nakagawa S, Stewart G. . Nature 2018, 555, 175-182.
    • Kendall H, Kaptan G, Stewart G, Grainger M, Kuznesof S, Naughton P, Clark B, Hubbard C, Raley M, Marvin HJP, Frewer LJ. . Food Control 2018, 90, 440-458.
    • Clark B, Frewer LJ, Panzone L, Stewart G. . Animals 2017, 7(3), 23.
    • Grainger MJ, Stewart GB. . Resources, Conservation and Recycling 2017, 122, 407-410.
    • Hudson JA, Frewer LJ, Jones G, Brereton PA, Whittingham MJ, Stewart G. . Trends in Food Science & Technology 2017, 69(Part A), 131-147.
    • Stephenson F, Mill AC, Scott C, Stewart GB, Grainger MJ, Polunin NVC, Fitzsimmons C. . Marine Policy 2017, 88, 189-203.
    • Clark B, Stewart G, Panzone L, Kyriazakis I, Frewer LJ. . Food Policy 2017, 68, 112-127.
    • Cooper J, Baranski M, Stewart G, Nobel-de Lange M, Bàrberi P, Fließbach A, Peigné J, Berner A, Brock C, Casagrande M, Crowley O, David C, De Vliegher A, Döring TF, Dupont A, Entz M, Gorsse M, Haase T, Halde C, Hammerl V, Huiting H, Leithold G, Messmer M, Schloter M, Sukkel W, van der Heijgen MGA, Willekens K, Wittwer R, Mäder P. . Agronomy for Sustainable Development 2016, 36(1), 22.
    • Whaley P, Halsall CJ, Ågerstrand M, Aiassa E, Benford D, Bilotta G, Coggon D, Collins C, Dempsey C, Duarte-Davidson R, FitzGerald R, Galay-Burgos M, Gee D, Hoffmann S, Lam J, Lasserson T, Levy L, Lipworth S, Mackenzie Ross S, Martin O, Meads C, Meyer-Baron M, Miller J, Pease C, Rooney A, Sapiets A, Stewart GB, Taylor D. . Environment International 2016, 92-93, 556-564.
    • Srednicka-Tober D, Baranski M, Seal CJ, Sanderson R, Benbrook C, Steinshamn H, Gromadzka-Ostrowska J, Rembialkowska E, Skwarlo-Sonta K, Eyre M, Cozzi G, Larsen MK, Jordon T, Niggli U, Sakowski T, Calder PC, Burdge GC, Sotiraki S, Stefanakis A, Stergiadis S, Yolcu H, Chatzidimitriou E, Butler G, Stewart G, Leifert C. . British Journal of Nutrition 2016, 115(6), 1043-1060.
    • Srednicka-Tober D, Baranski M, Seal CJ, Sanderson R, Benbrook C, Steinshamn H, Gromadzka-Ostrowska J, Rembialkowska E, Skwarlo-Sonta K, Eyre M, Cozzi G, Larsen MK, Jordon T, Niggli U, Sakowski T, Calder PC, Burdge GC, Sotiraki S, Stefanakis A, Yolcu H, Stergiadis S, Chatzidimitriou E, Butler G, Stewart G, Leifert C. . British Journal of Nutrition 2016, 115(6), 994-1011.
    • Clark B, Stewart GB, Panzone LA, Kyriazakis I, Frewer LJ. . Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics 2016, 29(3), 455-478.
    • Llewellyn A, Whittington C, Stewart G, Higgins JPT, Meader N. . PLoS ONE 2015, 10(12), e0123511.
    • Stewart GB, Higgins JPT, Schunemann H, Meader N. . PLoS One 2015, 10(4).
    • Lortie CJ, Stewart GB, Rothstein H, Lau J. How to critically read ecological meta-analyses. Research synthesis methods 2015, 6, 124-133. In Preparation.
    • Stewart GB, Meader N, Mengersen K. . Research Synthesis Methods 2014, 5(1), 1-12.
    • Pescott OL, Stewart GB. . PeerJ 2014, 2, e360.
    • Clark B, Stewart GB, Panzone LA, Frewer LJ. . PeerJ 2014.
    • Clark B, Stewart GB, Panzone LA, Frewer LJ. . PeerJ PrePrints 2014.
    • Meader N, King K, Llewellyn A, Norman G, Brown J, Rodgers M, Moe-Byrne T, Sowden A, Stewart GB. . Systematic Reviews 2014, 3, 82.

  • Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstracts)

    • Warner S, Seal C, Haldar S, Stewart G, Brandt K. . In: International Symposium on Carrot and Other Apiaceae. 2017, Angers, France: International Society for Horticultural Science.
    • Bieber A, Stergiadis S, Franceschin E, Isensee A, Eyre MD, Maurer V, Chatzidimitriou E, Cozzi G, Bapst B, Stewart G, Gordon A, Butler G, Leifert C. . In: Proceedings of the Swiss Association for Animal production Annual Conference (in German). 2015.
    • Bieber A, Stergiadis S, Franceschin E, Isensee A, Eyre MD, Maurer V, Chatzidimitriou E, Cozzi G, Bapst B, Stewart G, Gordon A, Butler G, Leifert C. . In: Healthy and productive animals: should we adapt the genotype to the feed or vis versa? ETH Series for Animal Nutrition (in German). 2015.
    • Srednicka-Tober D, Baranski M, Seal C, Sanderson R, Stewart G, Benbrook C, Rembialkovska E, Niggli U, Volakakis N, Leifert C. . In: 12th European Nutrition Conference (FENS). 2015, Berlin, Germany: Karger.
    • Bieber A, Stergiadis S, Franceschin E, Isensee A, Eyre MD, Maurer V, Chatzidimitriou E, Cozzi G, Bapst GB, Stewart G, Gordon A, Butler G, Leifert C. . In: Swiss Association for Animal Production. 2015, Zollikofen, Switzerland: HAFL.
    • Stergiadis S, Bieber A, Francheschin E, Isensee A, Eyre MD, Maurer V, Chatzidimitriou E, Cozzi G, Bapst B, Stewart G, Gordon A, Butler G, Leifert C. . In: British Society of Animal Science Annual Conference. 2015, Chester, UK: Cambridge University Press.

  • Editorial

    • Stewart GB, Schmid CH. . Research Synthesis Methods 2015, 6(2), 109-110.

  • Letters

    • O'Connell NE, Moore RA, Stewart G, Fisher E, Hearn L, Eccleston C, Williams ACDC. . Pain 2023, 164(4), E239-E241.
    • Williams ACDC, Hearn L, Moore RA, Stewart G, Fisher E, Eccleston C, O'Connell NE. . Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 2023, 157, 156-157.
    • Bayliss HR, Lortie CJ, Stewart GB. . Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 2015, 13(10), 533-534.

  • Notes

    • Piras S, Righi S, Setti M, Koseoglu N, Grainger MJ, Stewart GB, Vittuari M. . Resources, Conservation and Recycling 2022, 178, 106019.
    • Stewart G, Ward J. . Behavioral Ecology 2019, 30(1), 9-10.
    • Cook CN, Pullin AS, Sutherland WJ, Stewart GB, Carrasco LR. . Biological Conservation 2017, 209, 508-516.

  • Reports

    • Stewart GB, Glendell M, McMorran R, Troldborg M, Gagkas Z, Ovando P, Roberts M, Maynard C, Williams A, Clay G, Reed MS. . Defra and Natural England, 2021.
    • Reed MS, Kenter JO, Hansda R, Martin J, Curtis T, Prior S, Hay M, Saxby H, Mills L, Post J, Garrod G, Proctor A, Collins O, Guy JA, Stewart G, Whittingham M. . Â鶹´«Ã½ upon Tyne: Natural England and Defra, Â鶹´«Ã½, 2020.

  • Reviews

    • Francksen RM, Turnbull S, Rhymer CM, Hiron M, Bufe C, Klaus VH, Newell-Price P, Stewart G, Whittingham MJ. . Agronomy 2022, 12(12), 2928.
    • Haddaway NR, Bethel A, Dicks LV, Koricheva J, Macura B, Petrokofsky G, Pullin AS, Savilaakso S, Stewart GB. . Nature Ecology and Evolution 2020, 4, 1582–1589.
    • Stewart LA, Clarke M, Rovers M, Riley RD, Simmonds M, Stewart G, Tierney JF, PRISMA-IPD Dev Grp. . JAMA-Journal of the American Medical Association 2015, 313(16), 1657-1665.
    • Simmonds M, Stewart G, Stewart L. . Contemporary Clinical Trials 2015, 45(Part A), 76-83.
    • Baranski M, Srednicka-Tober D, Volakakis N, Seal C, Sanderson R, Stewart GB, Benbrook C, Biavati B, Markellou E, Giotis C, Gromadzka-Ostrowska J, Rembialkowska E, Skwarlo-Sonta K, Tahvonen R, Janovska D, Niggli U, Nicot P, Leifert C. . British Journal of Nutrition 2014, 112(5), 794-811.