About us

A multidisciplinary network advancing evidence synthesis methods and practice.

ESCA is a collaborative research and expertise network based in the Department of Epidemiology and Data Science at Amsterdam UMC, connecting a growing network of researchers and professionals across departments, disciplines, and knowledge institutions.

We develop, evaluate, and apply methods for evidence synthesis to promote rigorous, transparent, and reproducible approaches to synthesizing research evidence and informing healthcare, research, and decision-making. We support researchers and healthcare professionals through methodological consultation, training, resources, and collaborative evidence synthesis.

Prof. Mariska Leeflang, PhD

Professor of Clinical Epidemiology

Focus: Systematic review of medical test evaluations

Mitra Nekouei-Shahraki, MD, PhD

Clinical Epidemiologist

Focus: Evidence synthesis methodology, Evidence-based research, Sustainability in Research

View Profile

Miranda Langendam, PhD

Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC

Focus: Evidence Synthesis and GRADE

René Spijker

Medical Library, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC

Focus: Systematic search strategies, and database searching

Yasaman Vali, MD, PhD

Department of Epidemiology and Data Science

Focus: Systematic review of diagnostic test accuracy

Lieuwe Kool

Director of the Medical Library of the Amsterdam UMC, AMC location

Linda Schoonmade

Medical Library, Amsterdam UMC location VUMC

Focus: Systematic search strategies, and database searching

Jan Hoving, PhD

Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC

Focus: Evidence synthesis in occupational health

Elena Kostova, PhD

Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC

Focus: Cochrane on gynaecology, fertility, and public health reviews