We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Susan Phillips as the new Chair of Cochrane. Susan is Adjunct Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine at Bond University, Queensland, Australia. She has held leadership positions in the field of evidence-based medicine since 2001 when she joined the Australian federal government’s newly established National Institute of Clinical Studies (NICS).

Susan is renowned for her achievements in translating research evidence into clinical practice. Her wealth of experience, gained from senior management roles at NICS where she became Interim Executive Director after the institute’s merger with Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council, and later Chief Executive Officer at Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd, are testament to this. Her contribution to research translation was recognised with an Australia Day Medallion in 2008.

Susan’s extensive Board experience encompasses roles in organisations ranging from the Guidelines-International-Network (G-I-N), where she served as an elected Trustee for three terms, including two years as Vice-Chair, to Therapeutic Guidelines, and Therapeutic Guidelines Foundation. Susan has also served as Chair of other charities and not for profit organisations, including Climate for Change. She has been a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) since 2015.

In accepting this appointment, Dr Susan Phillips said: “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair, especially during such a critical time for Cochrane when the need for trusted evidence to guide decisions about best treatments is greater than ever.”

Commenting on the appointment, Dr Tamara Kredo, Chair of the Governance and Nominations Committee, said “I am delighted that Dr Susan Phillips has been appointed Chair of Cochrane's Governing Board. Sue brings a wealth of experience and leadership qualities at an exciting time as we implement our new organizational strategy. I am sure you will all join me in expressing sincere thanks to Jordi Pardo Pardo who has served as Interim Chair of the Governing Board since September 2023. His commitment, hard work and enthusiasm have served the organisation well”.

Jordi will remain on the Governing Board until his term comes to an end later on this year.

Susan will take up the position as Chair in July 2024.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Susan Phillips as the new Chair of Cochrane. Susan is Adjunct Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine at Bond University, Queensland, Australia. She has held leadership positions in the field of evidence-based medicine since 2001 when she joined the Australian federal government’s newly established National Institute of Clinical Studies (NICS).

Susan is renowned for her achievements in translating research evidence into clinical practice. Her wealth of experience, gained from senior management roles at NICS where she became Interim Executive Director after the institute’s merger with Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council, and later Chief Executive Officer at Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd, are testament to this. Her contribution to research translation was recognised with an Australia Day Medallion in 2008.

Susan’s extensive Board experience encompasses roles in organisations ranging from the Guidelines-International-Network (G-I-N), where she served as an elected Trustee for three terms, including two years as Vice-Chair, to Therapeutic Guidelines, and Therapeutic Guidelines Foundation. Susan has also served as Chair of other charities and not for profit organisations, including Climate for Change. She has been a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) since 2015.

In accepting this appointment, Dr Susan Phillips said: “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair, especially during such a critical time for Cochrane when the need for trusted evidence to guide decisions about best treatments is greater than ever.”

Commenting on the appointment, Dr Tamara Kredo, Chair of the Governance and Nominations Committee, said “I am delighted that Dr Susan Phillips has been appointed Chair of Cochrane's Governing Board. Sue brings a wealth of experience and leadership qualities at an exciting time as we implement our new organizational strategy. I am sure you will all join me in expressing sincere thanks to Jordi Pardo Pardo who has served as Interim Chair of the Governing Board since September 2023. His commitment, hard work and enthusiasm have served the organisation well”.

Jordi will remain on the Governing Board until his term comes to an end later on this year.

Susan will take up the position as Chair in July 2024.

Title: Legal Officer/Junior Legal Counsel
Specifications: Permanent – Part time (30 hours a week)
Salary: £38,000 per annum
Location: UK (Remote with occasional travel to the London office)
Closing date:  17 May 2024

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

Cochrane's strength is in its collaborative, global community. We have 110,000+ members and supporters around the world. Though we are spread out across the globe, our shared passion for health evidence unites us. Our Central Executive Team supports this work and is divided into five directorates: Evidence Production and Methods, Publishing and Technology, Development, Chief Executive Office and Finance and Corporate Services.

This role will sit within the Legal Team in Cochrane’s Finance & Corporate Services Directorate, which also includes the Finance and HR teams.

The Legal Officer/ Junior Legal Counsel will be required to support the Legal Counsel in providing legal advice to colleagues across the organisation, to enable Cochrane to manage risk and meet its legal and regulatory obligations. In addition to experience in contract law, the successful candidate will have excellent communication and organisational skills, a self-motivated and proactive approach to their work, and an enthusiasm for developing their knowledge and skills.

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organization is built on four core values:

• Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally.
• Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format.
• Integrity: Independent and transparent.
• Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect:

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
• A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences.
• An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences.

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations, and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

• Further information on the role and how to apply
• The deadline to receive your application is 17 May, 2024.
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples. 
•        Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement

Title: Legal Officer/Junior Legal Counsel
Specifications: Permanent – Part time (30 hours a week)
Salary: £38,000 per annum
Location: UK (Remote with occasional travel to the London office)
Closing date:  17 May 2024

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

Cochrane's strength is in its collaborative, global community. We have 110,000+ members and supporters around the world. Though we are spread out across the globe, our shared passion for health evidence unites us. Our Central Executive Team supports this work and is divided into five directorates: Evidence Production and Methods, Publishing and Technology, Development, Chief Executive Office and Finance and Corporate Services.

This role will sit within the Legal Team in Cochrane’s Finance & Corporate Services Directorate, which also includes the Finance and HR teams.

The Legal Officer/ Junior Legal Counsel will be required to support the Legal Counsel in providing legal advice to colleagues across the organisation, to enable Cochrane to manage risk and meet its legal and regulatory obligations. In addition to experience in contract law, the successful candidate will have excellent communication and organisational skills, a self-motivated and proactive approach to their work, and an enthusiasm for developing their knowledge and skills.

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organization is built on four core values:

• Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally.
• Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format.
• Integrity: Independent and transparent.
• Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect:

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
• A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences.
• An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences.

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations, and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

• Further information on the role and how to apply
• The deadline to receive your application is 17 May, 2024.
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples. 
•        Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement

Title: Legal Counsel
Specifications: Permanent – Full time or part-time (4-5 days per week)
Salary: £59,000 per annum
Location: Remote working (UK office located in Central London)
Closing date:  17 May 2024

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

Cochrane's strength is in its collaborative, global community. We have 110,000+ members and supporters around the world. Though we are spread out across the globe, our shared passion for health evidence unites us. Our Central Executive Team supports this work and is divided into five directorates: Evidence Production and Methods, Publishing and Technology, Development, Chief Executive Office and Finance and Corporate Services.

The Legal Counsel will be required to provide legal advice to colleagues across the organisation, to enable Cochrane to manage risk and meet its legal and regulatory obligations. The successful candidate will have excellent communication and organisational skills, a pragmatic approach, and the ability to prioritise and manage an unpredictable workload whilst paying close attention to detail.

The role will include line managing the Junior Legal Counsel, a role which we are also currently recruiting for.

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organization is built on four core values:

Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally.
Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format.
Integrity: Independent and transparent.
Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect:

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
• A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences.
• An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences.

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations, and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

• Further information on the role and how to apply
• The deadline to receive your application is 17 May, 2024
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples. 
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement

Title: Legal Counsel
Specifications: Permanent – Full time or part-time (4-5 days per week)
Salary: £59,000 per annum
Location: Remote working (UK office located in Central London)
Closing date:  17 May 2024

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

Cochrane's strength is in its collaborative, global community. We have 110,000+ members and supporters around the world. Though we are spread out across the globe, our shared passion for health evidence unites us. Our Central Executive Team supports this work and is divided into five directorates: Evidence Production and Methods, Publishing and Technology, Development, Chief Executive Office and Finance and Corporate Services.

The Legal Counsel will be required to provide legal advice to colleagues across the organisation, to enable Cochrane to manage risk and meet its legal and regulatory obligations. The successful candidate will have excellent communication and organisational skills, a pragmatic approach, and the ability to prioritise and manage an unpredictable workload whilst paying close attention to detail.

The role will include line managing the Junior Legal Counsel, a role which we are also currently recruiting for.

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organization is built on four core values:

Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally.
Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format.
Integrity: Independent and transparent.
Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect:

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
• A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences.
• An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences.

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations, and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

• Further information on the role and how to apply
• The deadline to receive your application is 17 May, 2024
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples. 
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement

Pregnant women are sometimes given vaccines to help protect the health of their babies after birth, with Cochrane reviews examining the evidence on this for, for example, pneumococcal disease and hepatitis B. In May 2024, we published a new addition, looking at RSV vaccination. In this podcast, review authors, Emily Phijffer and Odette de Bruin, medical doctors and PhD students in respectively, Pediatrics and Obstetrics at the Wilhelmina Childrens Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht in the Netherlands, talk about their findings.

Location: Flexible location (remote working) – contract type dependent on location.
Specifications: Permanent employment contract if successful applicant based in UK, Germany or Denmark. Consultancy contract in other locations.
Salary: £48,000 per annum
Application Closing Date:  7 May 2024

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

Cochrane's strength is in its collaborative, global community. We have 110,000+ members and supporters around the world. Though we are spread out across the globe, our shared passion for health evidence unites us. Our Central Executive Team supports this work and is divided into four directorates: Evidence Production and Methods, Publishing and Technology, Development, and Finance and Corporate Services.

The Consumer Engagement Manager will work as part of Cochrane’s Development Directorate, supporting the production of best evidence for healthcare by contributing to the implementation of Cochrane strategy and priorities relating to consumer engagement and involvement. This will be achieved through developing and maintaining a diverse global consumer community; supporting and facilitating consumer involvement in the broadest possible range of Cochrane activities; disseminating Cochrane evidence; supporting consumer involvement in Cochrane governance; building partnerships with relevant organisation; developing methods to improve the practice of engagement and involvement in systematic reviews, in the governance of the organisation, and in conferences and other settings; contributing to strategies to evaluate the impact of consumer engagement in systematic reviews; and contributing to the development of fundraising and project activity.
      
Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organization is built on four core values:

Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally.
Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format.
Integrity: Independent and transparent.
Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect:

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
• A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences.
• An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences.

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations, and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

• For further information on the role and how to apply, please click here.  
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples. Note that we will assess applications as they are received, and therefore may fill the post before the deadline.
• Deadline for applications: 7 May 2024 (12 midnight GMT).
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement
   

Location: Flexible location (remote working) – contract type dependent on location.
Specifications: Permanent employment contract if successful applicant based in UK, Germany or Denmark. Consultancy contract in other locations.
Salary: £48,000 per annum
Application Closing Date:  7 May 2024

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

Cochrane's strength is in its collaborative, global community. We have 110,000+ members and supporters around the world. Though we are spread out across the globe, our shared passion for health evidence unites us. Our Central Executive Team supports this work and is divided into four directorates: Evidence Production and Methods, Publishing and Technology, Development, and Finance and Corporate Services.

The Consumer Engagement Manager will work as part of Cochrane’s Development Directorate, supporting the production of best evidence for healthcare by contributing to the implementation of Cochrane strategy and priorities relating to consumer engagement and involvement. This will be achieved through developing and maintaining a diverse global consumer community; supporting and facilitating consumer involvement in the broadest possible range of Cochrane activities; disseminating Cochrane evidence; supporting consumer involvement in Cochrane governance; building partnerships with relevant organisation; developing methods to improve the practice of engagement and involvement in systematic reviews, in the governance of the organisation, and in conferences and other settings; contributing to strategies to evaluate the impact of consumer engagement in systematic reviews; and contributing to the development of fundraising and project activity.
      
Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organization is built on four core values:

Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally.
Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format.
Integrity: Independent and transparent.
Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect:

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
• A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences.
• An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences.

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations, and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

• For further information on the role and how to apply, please click here.  
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples. Note that we will assess applications as they are received, and therefore may fill the post before the deadline.
• Deadline for applications: 7 May 2024 (12 midnight GMT).
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement
   

Cochrane, JBI, Guidelines International Network (GIN), and The Campbell Collaboration are hosting the second Global Evidence Summit (GES) in the historic city of Prague from 10 to 13 September 2024. The summit serves as a platform for professionals from diverse sectors, including health, education, social justice, environment, and climate change, to engage in crucial discussions aimed at informing policy and practice through evidence. As part of the GES experience, attendees are invited to participate in the Anne Anderson Walk, an event that combines sightseeing, social engagement, and philanthropy. 

Anne Anderson was a reproductive physiologist,  researcher, lecturer, and author. She was a contributor to the stream of thinking and effort that gave birth to evidence-based health care.  Her inclusion in Lifeology's Historic STEAM Heros shows her lasting influence. Each year, a walk is held in her honour. Participants make donations to support the Anne Anderson Award, which recognizes and stimulates individuals contributing to the enhancement of women’s visibility and participation in leadership.



Everyone attending GES is welcome to join the  Anne Anderson Walk. It will be a gentle stroll on mostly flat surfaces and is wheelchair accessible. It is approximately 1.3 km long and will take about 50 minutes. The walk is free but participants are encouraged to make a donation to the Anne Anderson Award. Participants will gather at the city square Náměstí Republiky to embark on a scenic journey through Prague's historic landmarks, including the renowned Old Town Square, the medieval astronomical clock, and the Bohemian Bridge. The walk concludes at the Vltava river, where attendees can continue their exploration with an optional boat cruise.

• 18:00, Wednesday 11 September 2024
• Meet at Náměstí Republiky
• English-speaking tour guide will lead the 50 minute walk
• Make a donation to the Anne Anderson Award in advance
• Anne Anderson Walk merchandise is available to purchase in advance
  

Join us for an unforgettable experience at the Global Evidence Summit 2024 and the Anne Anderson Walk. Let's come together to celebrate the power of evidence-based practice and honour the remarkable legacy of Anne Anderson. Register now by donating to the Anne Anderson Award, and mark your calendar for the walk. We can't wait to walk alongside you in Prague!

• Register for the walk by making a donation
• Cochrane members are invited to make a nomination for the Anne Anderson Award
• Learn more about the Global Evidence Summit

Cochrane, JBI, Guidelines International Network (GIN), and The Campbell Collaboration are hosting the second Global Evidence Summit (GES) in the historic city of Prague from 10 to 13 September 2024. The summit serves as a platform for professionals from diverse sectors, including health, education, social justice, environment, and climate change, to engage in crucial discussions aimed at informing policy and practice through evidence. As part of the GES experience, attendees are invited to participate in the Anne Anderson Walk, an event that combines sightseeing, social engagement, and philanthropy. 

Anne Anderson was a reproductive physiologist,  researcher, lecturer, and author. She was a contributor to the stream of thinking and effort that gave birth to evidence-based health care.  Her inclusion in Lifeology's Historic STEAM Heros shows her lasting influence. Each year, a walk is held in her honour. Participants make donations to support the Anne Anderson Award, which recognizes and stimulates individuals contributing to the enhancement of women’s visibility and participation in leadership.



Everyone attending GES is welcome to join the  Anne Anderson Walk. It will be a gentle stroll on mostly flat surfaces and is wheelchair accessible. It is approximately 1.3 km long and will take about 50 minutes. The walk is free but participants are encouraged to make a donation to the Anne Anderson Award. Participants will gather at the city square Náměstí Republiky to embark on a scenic journey through Prague's historic landmarks, including the renowned Old Town Square, the medieval astronomical clock, and the Bohemian Bridge. The walk concludes at the Vltava river, where attendees can continue their exploration with an optional boat cruise.

• 18:00, Wednesday 11 September 2024
• Meet at Náměstí Republiky
• English-speaking tour guide will lead the 50 minute walk
• Make a donation to the Anne Anderson Award in advance
• Anne Anderson Walk merchandise is available to purchase in advance
  

Join us for an unforgettable experience at the Global Evidence Summit 2024 and the Anne Anderson Walk. Let's come together to celebrate the power of evidence-based practice and honour the remarkable legacy of Anne Anderson. Register now by donating to the Anne Anderson Award, and mark your calendar for the walk. We can't wait to walk alongside you in Prague!

• Register for the walk by making a donation
• Cochrane members are invited to make a nomination for the Anne Anderson Award
• Learn more about the Global Evidence Summit

Patient understanding can be key to the successful use of many of the interventions for which there are Cochrane Reviews and, in November 2023, we published a review that might help with this. Here are two of the authors, Angela Aldin from Cochrane Haematology and Annika Baumeister from the University of Bonn, both in Germany, to talk about the findings of that review looking at interventions for improving health literacy in migrants.

Having a good understanding of what trusted healthcare evidence is enables us to make more informed healthcare decisions. These four brief videos tailored for patients, caregivers, students, and healthcare professionals, provide a deeper understanding of systematic reviews.

Four brief animations have been co-produced by the Cochrane Crowd team, Evidence Synthesis Ireland, and the public. They are designed for patients, the public, healthcare professionals, students and more, who want to learn about systematic reviews and the main steps involved in producing a review.
They are free to use for teaching public and patient involvement - just give credit and let us know you are using them.

"At Cochrane patient and carer engagement and involvement plays a vital role," says Anna Noel-Storr, Cochrane’s Evidence Pipeline Lead. “We’ve created four 2-minute animations covering the key steps involved in producing a systematic review. Systematic reviews are such an important part of what we do. They help us to assess the effectiveness of treatments.These animations are designed to give a glimpse into what’s involved in producing a systematic review. We hope you’ll enjoy them!"

Asking the right questions

Finding the evidence

Assessing the evidence



Synthesizing the evidence

Interested in learning more? Explore Cochrane Evidence Essentials, a comprehensive introduction to Evidence-Based Medicine, clinical trials, and Cochrane evidence. Gain essential insights to navigate the complexities of healthcare research and make informed decisions with confidence.

Having a good understanding of what trusted healthcare evidence is enables us to make more informed healthcare decisions. These four brief videos tailored for patients, caregivers, students, and healthcare professionals, provide a deeper understanding of systematic reviews.

Four brief animations have been co-produced by the Cochrane Crowd team, Evidence Synthesis Ireland, and the public. They are designed for patients, the public, healthcare professionals, students and more, who want to learn about systematic reviews and the main steps involved in producing a review.
They are free to use for teaching public and patient involvement - just give credit and let us know you are using them.

"At Cochrane patient and carer engagement and involvement plays a vital role," says Anna Noel-Storr, Cochrane’s Evidence Pipeline Lead. “We’ve created four 2-minute animations covering the key steps involved in producing a systematic review. Systematic reviews are such an important part of what we do. They help us to assess the effectiveness of treatments.These animations are designed to give a glimpse into what’s involved in producing a systematic review. We hope you’ll enjoy them!"

Asking the right questions

Finding the evidence

Assessing the evidence



Synthesizing the evidence

Interested in learning more? Explore Cochrane Evidence Essentials, a comprehensive introduction to Evidence-Based Medicine, clinical trials, and Cochrane evidence. Gain essential insights to navigate the complexities of healthcare research and make informed decisions with confidence.

Cochrane's members and supporters come from more than 130 countries, worldwide. Our volunteers and contributors are researchers, health professionals, patients, carers, people passionate about improving health outcomes for everyone, everywhere.

Getting involved in Cochrane’s work means becoming part of a global community. The Cochrane International Mobility programme connects successful applicants with a placement in a host Cochrane Group, where they learn about the production, use, and knowledge translation of Cochrane reviews. The prgramme offers opportunities for learning and training not only for participants but also for host staff.

In this series, we profile those who have participated in the Cochrane International Mobility Program and learn more about their experiences.

Name: Yu-Tian
Location: China
CIM Location: Cochrane Sweden

How did you first learn about Cochrane?
I first learned about Cochrane in 2015 when I was a medical student at Fudan University in Shanghai, China. I was browsing through an online Chinese discussion forum for medical professionals and I came across a post giving a brief introduction to Cochrane. This aroused my interest and I further explored the official website of Cochrane. Before long I started participating in RCT screening in Cochrane Crowd and applying for tasks on the volunteer platform Cochrane Engage. In 2016, I decided to attend the 24th Cochrane Colloquium in Seoul, where I met many encouraging people in person who provided help and detailed guidance on how to get started. Most notably, I was fortunate to meet Juan Franco and colleagues, who invited me to become a co-author of two Cochrane reviews on non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions for treating chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

What was your experience with your Cochrane International Mobility?
I had previously completed a few requests on Cochrane Engage posted by Matteo Bruschettini from Cochrane Sweden, and in 2023 he involved me in a Cochrane review update. Matteo is super kind, supportive, and professional in both neonatal care and evidence synthesis methodology. Our team of three held Zoom meetings on a regular basis, where Matteo would always patiently guide us through every single step and explain to us in details from the evolution of Cochrane methods to tips on software use.

What are you doing now in relation to your virtual Cochrane International Mobility experience?
We have just submitted our Cochrane review about cycled light in NICU for preterm and low birth weight infants. I didn't even realize how much I had learned from this experience until now, as I work on other systematic reviews related to urology; I feel much more confident and everything runs much more smoothly than I previously expected. I am truly grateful to Matteo for providing this wonderful virtual CIM experience.

Do you have any words of advice to anyone considering a Cochrane International Mobility experience?
I strongly encourage anyone interested in systematic review and critical appraisal of evidence to participate in Cochrane activities and connect to the welcoming culture and people. For those who are getting started, remember that Cochrane Handbook and the abundant resources in Cochrane Training are always there for you, and that a CIM experience is the best opportunity to find you a teacher and put everything you are learning into practice. Do not give up or feel frustrated that you are not making any real progress; all these bits of training will gradually sink in, and one day they’ll just click.

Cochrane's members and supporters come from more than 130 countries, worldwide. Our volunteers and contributors are researchers, health professionals, patients, carers, people passionate about improving health outcomes for everyone, everywhere.

Getting involved in Cochrane’s work means becoming part of a global community. The Cochrane International Mobility programme connects successful applicants with a placement in a host Cochrane Group, where they learn about the production, use, and knowledge translation of Cochrane reviews. The prgramme offers opportunities for learning and training not only for participants but also for host staff.

In this series, we profile those who have participated in the Cochrane International Mobility Program and learn more about their experiences.

Name: Yu-Tian
Location: China
CIM Location: Cochrane Sweden

How did you first learn about Cochrane?
I first learned about Cochrane in 2015 when I was a medical student at Fudan University in Shanghai, China. I was browsing through an online Chinese discussion forum for medical professionals and I came across a post giving a brief introduction to Cochrane. This aroused my interest and I further explored the official website of Cochrane. Before long I started participating in RCT screening in Cochrane Crowd and applying for tasks on the volunteer platform Cochrane Engage. In 2016, I decided to attend the 24th Cochrane Colloquium in Seoul, where I met many encouraging people in person who provided help and detailed guidance on how to get started. Most notably, I was fortunate to meet Juan Franco and colleagues, who invited me to become a co-author of two Cochrane reviews on non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions for treating chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

What was your experience with your Cochrane International Mobility?
I had previously completed a few requests on Cochrane Engage posted by Matteo Bruschettini from Cochrane Sweden, and in 2023 he involved me in a Cochrane review update. Matteo is super kind, supportive, and professional in both neonatal care and evidence synthesis methodology. Our team of three held Zoom meetings on a regular basis, where Matteo would always patiently guide us through every single step and explain to us in details from the evolution of Cochrane methods to tips on software use.

What are you doing now in relation to your virtual Cochrane International Mobility experience?
We have just submitted our Cochrane review about cycled light in NICU for preterm and low birth weight infants. I didn't even realize how much I had learned from this experience until now, as I work on other systematic reviews related to urology; I feel much more confident and everything runs much more smoothly than I previously expected. I am truly grateful to Matteo for providing this wonderful virtual CIM experience.

Do you have any words of advice to anyone considering a Cochrane International Mobility experience?
I strongly encourage anyone interested in systematic review and critical appraisal of evidence to participate in Cochrane activities and connect to the welcoming culture and people. For those who are getting started, remember that Cochrane Handbook and the abundant resources in Cochrane Training are always there for you, and that a CIM experience is the best opportunity to find you a teacher and put everything you are learning into practice. Do not give up or feel frustrated that you are not making any real progress; all these bits of training will gradually sink in, and one day they’ll just click.