QuEST In-Person Training: Conducting a Meta-Analysis from Search to Synthesis
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The QuEST program offers graduate students attending AIR Pipeline Partnership Program (P3) universities in the United States multiple learning pathways to advance their knowledge and skills.
In-Person Training with AIR Researchers
Are you a graduate student in the social or behavioral sciences exploring a research topic that could be addressed with meta-analytic methods? The QuEST 2026 In-Person Training teaches everything you need to know to conduct a meta-analysis, from search to synthesis.
AIR will welcome a cohort of up to 15 students to our downtown Chicago office for a fully funded, week-long synthesis training taught by AIR experts. The training covers theory and methods in quantitative evidence synthesis including practical examples, free tools, and resources. Students will leave with the skills and knowledge to conduct a systematic review/meta-analysis as part of their own research.
The 2026 In-Person Training will be held August 3-7. All costs to attend including flights, hotel, and meals are covered through the P3 Program.
Hear from three graduate students about their past experiences with the 2025 training!
Active Support
Students who participate in the in-person training will gain access to ongoing support from the training instructors and QuEST team to design or conduct a synthesis project during graduate school, including 1-on-1 consultation sessions throughout the following academic year and monthly group office hours.
Application Requirements
Applicants should be:
- Currently enrolled graduate students at Georgia State University, Howard University, or The University of Texas at San Antonio (U.S.-based P3 institutions);
- Studying a research topic that could be addressed or enhanced through a systematic review and meta-analysis;
- Proficient in quantitative analysis at intermediate graduate levels (i.e., have completed coursework in multiple regression and/or ANOVA); and
- Comfortable performing basic tasks with quantitative data (e.g., data cleaning, descriptive analysis) using R or another programming language.
How to Apply
The 2026 application window is now closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions providing additional details on the QuEST in-person training experience, offered to doctoral students at U.S.-based P3 universities. More information is available on the QuEST program page.
When do applications open and close?
The application window closed on April 10, 2026. We expect to issue decisions by April 27, 2026. Please email our team with any questions.
Can I apply if I am not a doctoral student?
Yes, the training is open to all graduate-level students (e.g., MA, MS, MPH, MEd, PhD, ScD, EdD, JD) in the social and behavioral sciences.
Can I apply if I have already started my dissertation?
The training is intended for those who are exploring research topics that could be addressed or enhanced with a quantitative evidence synthesis. Students who have already started their dissertation research are welcome to apply, though we will prioritize students who have not yet started writing their dissertation.
Can I attend the training if I am not enrolled at one of the P3 institutions?
The AIR Opportunity Fund supports the P3 Program, a career development initiative for graduate students in the social and behavioral sciences enrolled at Georgia State University, Howard University, or the University of Texas at San Antonio. At this time, our offerings, including the QuEST in-person training, are only available to graduate students enrolled at one of the P3 institutions. Learn more about the P3 Program.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, non-U.S. citizens are eligible if they 1) are a permanent resident in the U.S., 2) are currently enrolled in a doctoral program at a U.S.-based P3 institution, and 3) have a valid U.S. social security number (SSN) or taxpayer identification number (TIN).
Is my research topic in the “social or behavioral sciences”?
If you consider your research topic to fit within the social and behavioral sciences, chances are we would, too! Past applicants and participants were pursuing a range of topics, including psychology, anthropology, economics, sociology, education, business, nursing, communications, and epidemiology. If you aren’t sure, feel free to reach out to us or submit an application and explain how your research topic fits in the social and behavioral sciences.
Should I participate in the training if I already have experience in quantitative evidence synthesis?
The training is aimed at graduate students who have no or limited experience in quantitative evidence synthesis methods but are generally proficient in quantitative methods and statistics (e.g., having completed graduate-level statistics requirements). However, students who have experience or formal training in quantitative evidence synthesis methods may also benefit from the training and are encouraged to apply.
I’m interested in mixed methods and qualitative evidence synthesis methods. Will this be covered?
The training will focus on methods for conducting quantitative evidence syntheses. Some aspects of our curriculum will touch on methods that apply to qualitative and quantitative reviews, but we will not focus on mixed methods or qualitative synthesis specifically. The Cochrane Handbook offers useful resources for qualitative evidence synthesis methods.
What statistical background do I need?
Most quantitative evidence synthesis and meta-analysis methods can be understood as an extension of regression analysis. At a minimum, participants should have completed basic graduate-level statistics requirements, including a course that covers regression.
How familiar with R/RStudio do I need to be?
We use R/RStudio to teach modules on data preparation and statistical modeling. We do not expect applicants to have extensive experience with R/RStudio, but we do expect applicants to have experience with conducting basic activities for statistical analysis (e.g., data cleaning, descriptive analysis) using R/RStudio or another programming language (e.g., Stata).
How have past participants benefited from the training?
Past participants have mentioned the immediate impact of the training, stating that they “left feeling confident about best practice methodologies, unique and accessible tools for data organization and synthesis, and an amazing community of researchers.” They have also mentioned the long-term impact of their participation in the training, stating, “I feel confident undergoing systematic review and a meta-analysis, in addition to conducting my own primary research in such a way that its reporting of data would support inclusion in future meta-analyses.”
How much does the training cost?
The training is fully funded by the AIR Opportunity Fund as part of the Pipeline Partnership Program. All participants’ major costs to attend the training will be covered, including airfare, accommodation, and meals. Additional details will be provided to accepted applicants.
Where will the training take place?
The 2026 training will be held in person at AIR’s office in downtown Chicago, IL.
How long is the in-person training?
The 2026 training will be held from August 3 to August 7, 2026. Participants should be available to attend from the morning of August 3 through the afternoon of August 7.
I can’t be there the full week. Is it possible for me to attend only part of the training?
The training is intended to cover each step involved in conducting a quantitative evidence synthesis, from project formulation to publication. If you do not attend a session, you will miss out on key information. Your full participation is strongly encouraged, and availability to attend the full week of training is a prerequisite for attending.
My question isn’t here; who do I contact?
Please reach out to the QuEST team with any questions.