We are pleased to share that Cochrane has recently signed a formal collaboration agreement with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). 

PAHO is the specialized international health agency for the Americas. It works with countries throughout the region to improve and protect people's health and serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). 

The collaboration agreement aims to enhance collaboration and networking between Cochrane and PAHO, facilitating joint initiatives. Specifically, the agreement intends to support the production and use of evidence on shared priority topics and to enhance methodological capacity in the region. This will align with and contribute to Cochrane’s forthcoming Scientific Strategy. 

Earlier this year, Cochrane’s Editor in Chief, Dr Karla Soares-Weiser, met with the Director of PAHO, Dr Jarbas Barbosa, and Assistant Director Dr Rhonda Sealey-Thomas at the WHO Executive Board meeting. During the meeting, they discussed how collaborative efforts under this new agreement could advance mutual strategic objectives. 

Cochrane has a long history of working with PAHO to support health decision-making in the Americas, primarily through the provision of training, workshops and expert advice by Cochrane groups and contributors. The new collaboration agreement aims to build on and enhance this longstanding relationship to address current and future health challenges facing the region. 

Cochrane’s CEO, Catherine Spencer, expressed her enthusiasm for this next phase of the partnership: “This new agreement is a major step forward in strengthening Cochrane’s relationship with PAHO. We are eager to leverage Cochrane’s expertise to support PAHO in addressing the key health challenges affecting the Americas, enhancing the relevance and impact of our work.”

• Learn more about Cochrane's partnerships
• For more information on the work that Cochrane does with PAHO and WHO, please get in touch

Specifications: Permanent – Full time
Salary: £63,000 per annum
Location: Remote working (UK office located in Central London)
Closing date:  4 July 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 is to support and collaborate with the Executive Leadership Team and CEO, on people management issues across the Central Executive Team (CET) worker life cycle.  The job holder will develop and lead in the delivery of the global HR strategy aligned with Cochrane’s strategic ambitions.  This will be achieved by setting the strategic direction for the HR function and leading the HR team in providing and effective and efficient HR function.

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 click “how to apply”.
• The deadline to receive your application is 4 July, 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

A new Cochrane review highlights the significant association between undernutrition and tuberculosis (TB) disease, shedding light on its prognostic value in predicting TB incidence among adults, adolescents, and children.

The review, which analyzed data from 51 cohort studies involving over 27 million participants across diverse settings, reveals that undernutrition probably doubles the risk of TB disease. This association, particularly evident within 10 years from the onset of undernutrition, underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address undernutrition as part of broader TB prevention strategies.

Undernutrition, characterized by factors such as low body mass index (BMI) emerges as a key risk factor for TB infection and progression. Malnutrition compromises the immune system, reducing the body's ability to fight off infections, including TB. Individuals who are malnourished have weakened immune responses, making them more susceptible to the TB bacterium and less capable of containing latent infections. In 2022 alone, undernutrition contributed to an estimated 2.2 million TB cases worldwide, as documented in the World Health Organization's Global Tuberculosis Report.

Lead author of the review and lead of the Cochrane evidence synthesis group at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Juan Franco, says, “By quantifying this risk, we can more accurately estimate the burden of TB disease attributable to undernutrition. This information informs the planning of policies based on the burden of risk factors across different regions of the world.”

The impact of quantifying the relationship between undernutrition and TB provides evidence-based guidance for policymakers to allocate resources effectively, design targeted interventions, and implement comprehensive TB prevention strategies. For doctors and patients, it highlights the importance of nutritional assessments and interventions in TB care and prevention.

The findings from the review suggest that public health policies in countries with high TB burdens must prioritize nutritional support as a core component of TB control programs.

“By addressing undernutrition, these policies can reduce TB incidence, improve treatment outcomes, and contribute to overall health improvements in these populations,” Franco notes.

Despite the clear link between undernutrition and TB disease risk, challenges persist in standardizing diagnostic methods and accounting for confounding factors. The review emphasizes the importance of ongoing research, especially in low- and middle-income countries, to obtain accurate estimates of undernutrition's impact on TB across different populations and settings.

Juan Franco emphasizes the vital role of international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the WHO TB Programme, in implementing the review’s findings. "Evidence-based policies addressing food insecurity and malnutrition are urgently needed," he explains. 

"Undernutrition manifests differently worldwide, influenced by various social determinants of health. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but addressing societal inequalities is always a good starting point. Treating undernutrition, along with reducing other TB risk factors, is essential not only to lower the TB burden but also to achieve overall well-being." 

By focusing on the dual burden of undernutrition and TB, this Cochrane review underscores the importance of integrating nutritional support into TB control programs to achieve better health outcomes globally.

Specifications: Full Time (Permanent role)
Salary: £90,000 per annum
Location: Remote working (international travel and attendance at in-person meetings in London will be expected)
Application closing date:  Wednesday 26 June 2024. The recruitment agency will be longlisting applications as soon as they receive them, so please apply early to register your interest.

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 and External Relations, Chief Executive Office, and Finance and Corporate Services.

The Director of Development and External Relations is a key leadership position within Cochrane, responsible for shaping and implementing the organization's external engagement strategy and attracting donors.

As Director of Development and External Relations for Cochrane, you will be a global ambassador for the charity and a vital part of the Executive Leadership Team. You will build and develop relationships with key stakeholders across the global health landscape, enabling the generation of income, advocate for evidence-informed decision making and foster meaningful partnerships.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Cochrane's global impact and ensuring the charity’s sustainability. You will be responsible for increasing Cochrane’s income. and reputation and influence among key audiences including funders and policymakers. You will lead a directorate responsible for fundraising, advocacy, partnerships, communications and Cochrane Response, our global health consultancy.

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.

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.

How to apply

• View the full job description.
  
• Apply through our recruitment partner, Prospectus.
• Please submit your application by 26 June 2024.
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement.

Cochrane's strength lies in its collaborative, global community. Cochrane Geographic Groups represent Cochrane in their host country, advocate for the use of high-quality evidence syntheses in health policy and practice, and support Cochrane's members and supporters who live there. Here, we spotlight the impactful work of Cochrane Austria, dedicated to advancing evidence-based healthcare practices in their country.

Cochrane Austria officially opened as a Cochrane branch in 2010, at the University for Continuing Education Krems. They hosted the 2015 Cochrane Colloquium in Vienna and were awarded full centre status in  2017. With nearly 500 members and supporters, Cochrane Austria aims to support evidence-based decision-making in Austria and other German-speaking countries and build capacity through training activities.

Cochrane Austria Advisory Board Meeting in Krems 2023

Cochrane Austria undertakes various projects to improve health-related decisions by providing access to the best available evidence for citizens, health care providers, and policy decision-makers. They operate the fact-checking platform, Medizin Transparent.at, which evaluates the accuracy of health-related information in the media. This free service enables German-speaking citizens, healthcare providers, and decision-makers to critically analyze health-related information they encounter in the media, attracting about 2 million visitors annually. Cochrane Austria also runs a rapid response service for healthcare professionals, funded by the State Health Agency of Lower Austria. This service provides rapid, evidence-based answers to clinical questions, ensuring that physicians and nurses in Austria can make well-informed decisions.

"There is a lot of misinformation in the media and even healthcare professionals can struggle to find trustworthy evidence. Cochrane Austria's knowledge translation efforts are making a significant impact on evidence-based decision making for citizens, patients, and healthcare providers in Austria," says Dr. Barbara Nußbaumer-Streit, Cochrane Austria Co-Director.

Alexandru and Larisa from Romania, Petter from Sweden, Piotr from Poland, and Raphaela from Sweden.

Training and upskilling the evidence synthesis skills in Austria is another major focus for Cochrane Austria. They provide regular training in methods of evidence-based medicine, such as critical appraisal of studies, interpreting statistics, doing systematic literature searches, and applying the GRADE approach. In 2024, Cochrane Austria launched a PhD program in "Applied Evidence Synthesis in Health Research" at the University for Continuing Education Krems. The program integrates the Cochrane International Mobility programme, allowing PhD students to benefit from the expertise of other Cochrane Centres.

"Cochrane Austria is equipping the next generation of researchers with a profound understanding of evidence-based medicine and the intricate methodologies involved in evidence synthesis. We are excited to play a pivotal role in shaping this promising future," notes Dr. Gerald Gartlehner, Cochrane Austria Co-Director. 

Cochrane Austria is co-convenor of the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group and Cochrane Public Health Europe, collaborates with several international partners, including the American College of Physicians, and the World Health Organization, and also support Cochrane Romania as an Affiliate Centre. These collaborations enhance the impact of their work and ensure the dissemination and uptake of Cochrane evidence. In May 2024, Cochrane Austria organized a meeting of all European Cochrane geographic groups in Vienna to foster and strengthen collaborations within Europe. 

Members of 18 Countries joined the European Cochrane Meeting in May 2024 in Vienna

Through projects like the European Health and Digital Executive Agency collaboration, Cochrane Austria supports EU Member States in decision-making on national vaccination programs. Additionally, as a WHO Collaborating Centre, Cochrane Austria members contributed to a systematic review that formed the basis for a global WHO guideline on preventing bloodstream infections from catheter use.

"Our collaboration with the WHO highlights our dedication to enhancing healthcare decision-making not only in Austria but also on a global scale. We are eager to contribute our expertise to these important projects," says Dr. Barara Nußbaumer-Streit.

Andreea Dobrescu, Barbara Nussbaumer-Streit, Gerald Gartlehner at the Guideline Development Meeting at WHO in Geneva in 2023

Cochrane Austria is excited about involving new PhD students in the Cochrane network, hosting Cochrane International Mobility programme participants, and continuing their knowledge translation and capacity-building activities. For those interested in contributing to Cochrane Austria's mission, please contact Barbara Nussbaumer-Streit at barbara.nussbaumer-streit@donau-uni.ac.at. There are numerous opportunities to get involved and make a difference in the field of evidence-based healthcare!

• Visit the Cochrane Austria website
• Follow Cochrane Austria on social media: 
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• Search and view Cochrane evidence in German
• Find a Cochrane Geographic Group in your country

Title: Team PA (CEO office)
Specifications: Permanent – Full time
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Location: Remote working (UK office located in Central London)
Closing date: 14 June 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 varied role will work closely with the Executive Support Manager to provide effective and efficient administrative support to the CEO’s Office, including PA support to the CEO. The CEO’s Office encompasses Strategy, Governance, Geographic Groups, Communications and Cochrane’s Project Team. The Team PA role will provide support, to a greater or lesser extent, to all these areas. It will also provide ad hoc support to special projects, where required. This is a new role and will require a flexible approach. This role could be based anywhere in the world but would be required to work European hours.

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 click “how to apply”.
• The deadline to receive your application is 14 June, 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

Cochrane's strength is in its collaborative, global community. Cochrane Fields serve as a bridge between the production of relevant Cochrane evidence and the implementation of that evidence into the wider field of interest that extends across several health topics. They advocate for the use of Cochrane evidence in health policy and practice and promote awareness and use of evidence-based practices in their area. Here we spotlight the impactful work of Cochrane Rehabilitation, dedicated to enhancing evidence-based rehabilitation practices worldwide.

Cochrane Rehabilitation, formally started in 2016, serves as a bridge between Cochrane and all rehabilitation stakeholders. "Our vision is a world where all rehabilitation decisions are based on the best available evidence, accessible and understood by all," says Stefano Negrini, Director of Cochrane Rehabilitation. With a global perspective that transcends professions and languages, Cochrane Rehabilitation aims to improve the production, dissemination, implementation, and impact of Cochrane rehabilitation evidence.

Cochrane Rehabilitation has been involved in a variety of projects to advance evidence-based practice in rehabilitation. One key initiative is the development of a comprehensive definition for rehabilitation research, which aims to standardise the description of interventions in rehabilitation research, facilitating both primary studies and systematic reviews. Another highlight has been the 5th Cochrane Rehabilitation Methodological Meeting, a global gathering focused on optimizing study designs for practical application in rehabilitation, which exemplifies their commitment to advancing the field. This work makes sure that future rehabilitation research and systematic reviews are of high quality. 

Cochrane Rehabilitation has expanded its reach through a diverse network of partners, including national, regional and international scientific societies, universities, hospitals, journals, and other rehabilitation stakeholders including consumers.  Their advisory board is composed of various stakeholder representatives and experts from various fields within rehabilitation, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs of the global rehabilitation community. They also work with Cochrane geographical groups to translate Cochrane evidence and dissemination materials into multiple languages. "Dissemination is central to what we do and our collaborations with geographical groups and external organisations enhance our efforts and uptake of evidence. We are proud to help foster a culture of knowledge exchange within the global rehabilitation community," says Chiara Arienti, Cochrane Rehabilitation Coordinator. 

One notable partnership has been with the World Health Organization. Through this collaboration, they have developed Cochrane evidence maps for various health conditions, contributing to the Be4rehab project, the REH-COVER action, and the 'Evidence relevant to' project'. Since 2023, Cochrane has been an official member of the World Rehabilitation Alliance, launched by the WHO to promote rehabilitation as an essential health service.  "Our involvement with the World Rehabilitation Alliance supports the focus on promoting rehabilitation as a critical component of health services, thereby enhancing access to quality rehabilitation services worldwide. We are proud that Cochrane Rehabilitation is contributing to bringing trusted evidence to support health decisions and services in rehabilitation globally," notes Carlotte Kiekens, Co-Director of Cochrane Rehabilitation.

Looking ahead, Cochrane Rehabilitation is excited about several new initiatives, including collaborative research projects that engage with rehabilitation researchers to provide methodological guidance from the protocol phase through our Methodological Committee. "Currently, we are particularly focusing on Health Policy and Systems Research in rehabilitation, aiming to provide evidence on strategies for strengthening rehabilitation within health systems," explains Pierre Côté, Chair of the Methodological Committee. This effort aligns with the World Health Assembly resolution, whose goal is to enhance access to quality rehabilitation services worldwide.

Cochrane Rehabilitation welcomes support and collaboration from other groups and organizations to amplify their impact. "We are particularly seeking support in health policy and systems research and efforts in the global south. Continuous funding is also essential to guarantee our future activities. We invite all individuals, groups, and organizations interested in rehabilitation to work with us," emphasizes Francesca Gimigliano,  Cochrane Rehabilitation's Communication Committee Chair. If you are interested in contributing to their mission, please email cochranerehab@dongnocchi.it. Whether you’re a researcher, clinician, policymaker, or advocate, there are numerous opportunities to get involved and make a difference in rehabilitation globally!

• Visit the Cochrane Rehabilitation website
• Follow Cochrane Rehabilitation on social media:
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• Find a Cochrane group in your country

Specifications: Permanent – Full time
Salary: £43,000 per annum
Location: Remote working (UK office located in Central London)
Closing date:  12 June 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.

As the Executive Support Officer, you will play a pivotal role in providing high-level administrative, organizational, and logistical support to the Editor-in-Chief (EiC) and the senior Evidence Production & Methods (EPMD) team. This role is crucial in ensuring the efficient operation of EPMD projects and activities, as well as providing support to Cochrane’s Editorial Board. By managing the day-to-day administrative tasks and streamlining processes, you will enable the EiC and senior team to focus on strategic initiatives and critical projects.

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 click “how to apply”.
• The deadline to receive your application is 10 June, 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

Cochrane's strength lies in its collaborative, global community. Cochrane Geographic Groups represent Cochrane in their host country, advocate for the use of Cochrane evidence in health policy and practice, and support Cochrane's members and supporters who live there. Here we spotlight the impact of Cochrane Japan, who are dedicated to enhancing Japanese healthcare through evidence-based decision-making.

Since 2012 various Cochrane activities happened in Japan but it wasn't until 2014 that a branch in Tokyo was established with an official Cochrane Japan being established in 2017. Today with over 200 members, Cochrane Japan is committed to producing accurate, up-to-date Cochrane reviews and providing support and training to new authors.

Japan holds over four training workshops annually for new authors of Cochrane systematic reviews,  healthcare professionals, and researchers, covering interventions and diagnostic accuracy tests.  "Cochrane Japan workshops bring globally recognized methodology expertise to an accessible platform for future Cochrane authors. These sessions are crucial for fostering evidence-based practice in Japan," says Norio Watanabe, Director of Cochrane Japan. Cochrane Japan collaborates with Cochrane geographic groups in East Asia through the East Asia Cochrane Alliance (EACA), hosting meetings and training workshops. These collaborations enhance the impact of their work by fostering regional cooperation and knowledge sharing.

The group's translation efforts significantly impact healthcare practices and policies in Japan, ensuring that medical professionals and the general population have access to high-quality, evidence-based information.  Cochrane Japan translates and publishes more than 200 plain language summaries of Cochrane reviews in Japanese each year.  There are more than 2900 translations of Cochrane evidence freely available for anyone to search and read. "Distributing plain language summaries in Japanese helps bridge the gap between complex research and everyday healthcare decisions. It's important that people have the latest health evidence in the language they can most easily understand," says Watanabe.

Looking ahead, Cochrane Japan plans to offer free access to RevMan Web for all its members, encouraging more systematic reviews under Cochrane methodology. The group also seeks enthusiastic volunteers for translating plain language summaries and prospective authors for Cochrane reviews. "We welcome anyone in Japan who is passionate about evidence-based healthcare to join us in our mission," Watanabe adds.

• Visit the Cochrane Japan website
• Follow Cochrane Japan on X
  
• Follow Cochrane Japan on Facebook
• Search and view Cochrane evidence in Japanese 
• Find a Cochrane Geographic Group in your country

Cochrane's strength is in its collaborative, global community. Cochrane Geographic Groups represent Cochrane in their host country, advocate for the use of Cochrane evidence in health policy and practice, and support Cochrane's members and supporters who live there.  Here we focus on the impact of an affiliate centre of the  Cochrane US Network, at Tufts University in Massachusetts, USA.

The US Network promotes evidence-based decision-making in healthcare and public health across the country. It raises awareness of Cochrane and its evidence, supports the production of high-quality systematic reviews, and disseminates these reviews strategically. The network also promotes the use of Cochrane evidence among patients, caregivers, clinicians, health systems, guideline developers, and policymakers.

Comprising some of the nation’s leading institutions in evidence-based medicine and public health, the US Network includes 15 affiliate institutions. Each affiliate institution has its own function and specific areas of expertise and focus. The Tufts University School of Medicine is a leader in public health, nutrition, maternal health, and health equity programs. In 2021 they joined Cochrane Us as an affiliate centre to help build capacity and a critical mass of Cochrane-trained systematic reviews in the United States.   

"Every healthcare and public health decision should be based on the best available evidence. At Tufts University School of Medicine, we are proud to train future clinicians, researchers, and policymakers in Cochrane methods and increase their awareness of Cochrane systematic reviews," says Dr Shayesteh Jahanfar, Director of Tufts University, Affiliate of Cochrane US
Associate Professor, Public Health and Community Medicine.

Founded in May 2021, Cochrane US at Tufts strategic plan includes awareness campaigns, systematic review training, and collaboration with institutions such as the World Health Organization, Indiana University, and Ohio State University. 

The Tufts team frequently hosts author training seminars both domestically and internationally. The Tufts Systematic Review Course, accredited by CEPH, provides medical professionals and postgraduate students with essential training in performing high-quality systematic reviews. Recent training sessions include Cochrane Author training for nutritionists at Rutgers University and training at the International Conference of Twinning. The Tufts team is also active in the Cochrane US Mentorship Program, helping early career professionals and students enhance their skills in evidence-based healthcare.

Collaborations with other Cochrane groups and external organizations amplify the impact of Cochrane US at Tufts. They have worked with the International Twin Register to offer cross-border training, supported Rutgers School of Nursing in submitting Cochrane protocols, and collaborated with Indiana University on systematic reviews and stakeholder training. Notable projects include a scoping review of surgical safety checklists for cesarean sections in collaboration with WHO. Key collaborative efforts include the Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies and the Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute. "Collaborating with others is key to expanding the reach and impact of our work," says Sowmyashree Hanumantha, Cochrane Fellow.

Looking ahead, Tufts is excited about several upcoming projects. By June 2024, they aim to support the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Network of Institutions for Evidence and Data to Policy (NEDtP). They are continuing systematic review training with Western University in Ontario, Canada, and have applied for a Mary Y. Lee CSL Faculty Mini-Grant for a project on building systematic review capacity among high school teachers. Other priorities include securing seed money from the Tisch College Community Research Center, exploring AI applications for juvenile health, and participating in the Cochrane Global Evidence Summit with submitted abstracts.

Cochrane US at Tufts welcomes collaboration and support from individuals and organizations passionate about improving healthcare. They seek funding opportunities to extend their impact and continue enhancing healthcare practices and policies through rigorous research synthesis and evidence dissemination. "As we look to the future, our goal remains steadfast: to enhance healthcare through evidence-based decision-making and collaboration. We invite all those passionate about this mission to join us," concludes Michael Johannesmeyer, Cochrane Fellow. 

• Visit the Cochrane US Website
• Contact Cochrane US at Tufts: shayesteh.jahanfar@tufts.edu (Director),  sowmyashree.hanumantha_setty@tufts.edu (Cochrane Fellow), michael.johannesmeyer@tufts.edu (Cochrane Fellow). 
• Find a Cochrane Geographic Group in your country