The GALENOS approach to triangulating evidence: a structured approach for integrating information from human and animal studies

BACKGROUND: Most decision-making research involves collating multiple types of evidence, and such integration should be a core component of investigative practice in science. Triangulation is one formal approach that has proven effective, typically drawing on sources of evidence with different biases. However, there remains no standardised method for its implementation and no clear guidance on how to apply triangulation in research contexts-particularly when synthesising evidence across human and animal data. METHODS: GALENOS (Global Alliance for Living Evidence on aNxiety, depressiOn and pSychosis) has introduced GATE (GALENOS Approach to Triangulating Evidence), a multifaceted framework for such triangulation. To further develop GATE, we here systematically searched the literature for work describing triangulation processes for human and animal data. RESULTS: As a key component of GATE, we provide conceptual details and practical guidance on how to prepare, organise, conduct, and follow up on triangulation meetings. CONCLUSIONS: Based on findings from this literature and our experience with GATE, we updated our approach.