Introduction
This course will give a broad overview of topics in meta-analysis. Most standard topics in meta-analysis will be covered, such as risk of bias analysis, searching studies, fixed versus random effect models, heterogeneity, publication bias, differences between meta-analysis of randomized trials and meta-analysis observational studies. The course will briefly cover some more advanced topics (bivariate meta-analysis, combining different metrics, network analysis).

Course material
All study materials are supplied electronically only in the Boerhaave Learning Environment, and will be made available about 2 weeks prior to the course.

Teaching environment
Lectures and practical sessions

Certificate of attendance
In order to obtain a proof of participation, all lectures should be attended. If you have participated for the full 3 days, you will receive a certificate of attendance within two weeks. Those who are enrolled in the Epidemiology-B programme of the department of clinical epidemiology, should make an extra post-course assignment, which will be graded.

Language
Course material (PowerPoint, exercises etc.) are all in English. Lectures are also in English.

Organizing committee

• Prof. dr. Olaf Dekkers
• Prof. dr. Saskia le Cessie

Master and PhD students in the bio-medical sciences.

Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of statistics (equivalent to the Boerhaave course "Basic methods and reasoning in Biostatistics").

A computer / laptop with proper internet access for all participants is mandatory. Students also need the STATA software or R software (R and R studio) pre-installed. No pre-knowledge of the STATA software is required. A temporary STATA license will be provided.
If you want to make use of R software, then we could recommend first following the Using R for Data Analysis course in January 2026.
In practical sessions, students will perform a standard meta-analysis by themselves.

Please find the programme here.

LUMC
Albinusdreef 2
2333 ZA Leiden

Building: Gebouw 1
Route: 555
Room: Collegezaal-7

Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum