Cochrane is delighted to unveil the fully comprehensive edition of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy. Designed for authors, editors, and researchers involved in Cochrane Reviews and systematic evaluations of test accuracy, this invaluable resource provides an extensive guide encompassing the most advanced methodologies and best practices. Whether you're a novice researcher or a seasoned expert, this groundbreaking Handbook equips you with the latest methodologies and expert tips, serving as an invaluable resource for conducting diagnostic test systematic reviews. This Handbook paves the way for better-informed healthcare choices, propelling us towards a future where the impact of medical tests is fully optimized.

This is Cochrane's second Handbook, following the success of the acclaimed Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Cochrane’s Editor in Chief, Karla Soares-Weiser warmly welcomed today’s launch, "This Handbook is an excellent addition to the Cochrane Handbook collection and represents a hugely collaborative effort from numerous methodologists, authors, and editors across Cochrane. Cochrane systematic reviewers and the evidence-based community now have access to well-respected guidance that will strengthen the skills, knowledge and standards of systematic reviewers of test accuracy across the world."

Under the guidance of the experts in the Cochrane Screening and Diagnostic Tests Methods Group, this Handbook is thoughtfully divided into three comprehensive parts. The first section provides insights into the intricacies of Cochrane Reviews, specifically focusing on diagnostic test accuracy. In the second section, readers are introduced to test accuracy studies, exploring the circumstances in which it may be appropriate to conduct them. The third and final section delves into the methodologies employed in systematic reviews of test accuracy, offering expert guidance on data collection, risk of bias assessment for included studies, and conducting impactful meta-analyses. This holistic approach ensures that readers are equipped with the necessary tools to conduct the systematic review and then confidently present their findings.

The first edition Handbook includes:

• An introduction to planning a Cochrane Review of diagnostic test accuracy, along with a supplementary protocol template that can be used by Cochrane or non-Cochrane authors.
• Core guidance on understanding the primary research included in systematic reviews of test accuracy to enable authors to make informed decisions in their review’s design, including the evaluation of medical tests, the design of test accuracy studies and understanding test accuracy measures.
• New guidance on defining the review question, covering how the review’s objective relates to the population, index tests and target condition and review’s eligibility criteria.
• Substantial developments on searching for and selecting studies, extracting data and assessing the risk of bias and applicability in included studies, which takes readers step-by-step through what they need to consider and at what point during the review.
• Brand new guidance on undertaking meta-analysis complements the updated understanding meta-analysis chapter, and includes supplementary code and datasets that you’ll need to complete the analyses in different software.
• Updated guidance on presenting findings and drawing conclusions.
• New guidance on writing a plain language summary, including a template that can be used by Cochrane or non-Cochrane authors.

The Handbook has been written by a team of authors and editors, led by Senior Editors Professor Jon Deeks and Professor Patrick M Bossuyt, alongside Associate Editors Mariska Leeflang and Yemisi Takwoingi. Professor Patrick  Bossuyt, Senior Editor of the Handbook, also said, “The new Handbook reflects current best practice based on the latest methods research, and provides the only such comprehensive guide to conducting systematic reviews of test accuracy. We are immensely proud of the collective contributions from the authors, peer reviewers and methodologists who have informed its gestation over the years; we would like to thank them all as we would not have been able to create this Handbook without them.”

Professor Jon Deeks, Senior Editor of the Handbook, said, “Cochrane Reviews of diagnostic test accuracy have a huge impact globally. Cochrane Reviews underpin many clinical guidelines, including World Health Organization ones. Cochrane evidence also informs the WHO Essential Diagnostics List, which covers many areas of infectious disease and addresses the need for countries to make essential diagnostics more accessible and affordable. This new guidance for both new and experienced authors will strengthen our ability to develop highly impactful reviews that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Don't miss out on this game-changing resource! The online version of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy is available for free, offering immediate access to its wealth of knowledge as a PDF. But for those seeking convenience and a cherished addition to their collection, the physical edition of the Handbook and the E-book is also available.

• Access the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy
• Learn more about the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy

With over 198 million speakers globally, Bahasa Indonesia is the official language of Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous country. Recently Bahasa Indonesia has been added along with four other new languages to Cochrane.org and the Cochrane Library. Adding Bahasa Indonesia to the list of 21 languages that plain language summaries are translated in, marks a significant stride in addressing the healthcare information needs of this extensive and diverse population. This inclusion not only breaks linguistic barriers but also empowers individuals to make evidence-informed health decisions globally.

From left to right: Datu Respatika, Lukman Ade Chandra, Kristia Hermawan, Anggraeni Ayu Rengganis (Translation Manager), Afrilia Intan Pratiwi, Alfia Fatma Zaharo, Mawaddah Ar Rochmah, Detty Siti Nurdiati (Director of Cochrane Indonesia), Ajeng Viska Icanervilia.

The addition of the new language addition is due to the strong collaboration between Cochrane Malaysia and Cochrane Indonesia. They have shared a longstanding history of mutual support since their inception and this new Indonesian translation project has deepened that bond between the teams. Cochrane Malaysia has graciously extended their assistance and expertise to support Cochrane Indonesia in establishing their translation project.

“I am particularly happy about it because I feel a part of the project. Malaysia and Indonesia are like siblings, and we try to support each other where we can."

- Prof. Jacqueline Ho, Cochrane Malaysia Co-Director

At the outset, Teguh Haryo Sasongko, Cochrane's Malaysia Translation Project Manager, arranged an online meeting with Cochrane Indonesia to outline the management of the Malaysian project and discuss how the team encourages its volunteers. In May of this year, during the Indonesian team's visit to Malaysia, they connected with Nila Pillai (as shown in the above photo; seen in the bottom right sharing with the Indonesian team). Nila has been serving as the Cochrane Malaysia Support Officer and coordinator of Cochrane Malaysia's Malay Translation Project since its inception in 2015. Nila shared insights on how she manages the translation project, highlighting both challenges and successes. The two teams recently collaborated in organizing joint Cochrane training workshops in both countries, with plans for further collaboration in various domains.

“Indonesia has the 4th largest population in the world and even though Malay and Indonesian have some similarities, being able to offer Cochrane evidence in Bahasa Indonesia, Indonesia’s main and official language, marks an important milestone for us."

- Dr. Detty Nurdiati, Cochrane Indonesia Director

• Read Cochrane evidence in your language
  
• Learn how you can volunteer in our translation projects
• Donate to support our work
• Memecahkan halangan bahasa: Cochrane menambah Bahasa Indonesia dalam usaha penterjemahan
• Mendobrak batasan bahasa: Cochrane menambahkan Bahasa Indonesia dalam upaya penerjemahan

Specifications: Permanent – Full Time
Salary:  £ 30,000 per Annum  
Location: Remote - Ideally based in the UK, Germany or Denmark. Candidates from the rest of the world will be considered; however, Cochrane’s Central Executive Team is only able to offer consultancy contracts outside these countries.
Closing date: 29 July 2023
 
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.
Cochrane's Evidence Production & Methods Directorate (EPMD) ensures that the Cochrane Library maintains its reputation as the international source of trustworthy, independent, and relevant information to guide healthcare decisions. The EPMD houses the Central Editorial Service, the Central Production Service and also supports review development to ensure that the Cochrane Library continues to produce high quality evidence syntheses that meet the needs of users.   
    
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 everting 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 deadline to receive your application is 29th July, 2023.
• 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

The Cochrane Colloquium is a premier event for those interested in evidence-based healthcare decision-making. It brings together individuals involved in evidence production, dissemination, implementation, and policy-making, as well as those making individual healthcare decisions. The 2023 Cochrane Colloquium will take place in London, UK from 4th to 6th of September 2023, with satellite events on 3rd of September. Registration is still open!

Presentations form a cornerstone of the Cochrane London Colloquium, providing a platform for in-depth exploration of topics and fostering future collaborations. With approximately 46 long oral presentations and 180 short oral presentations scheduled this year, the importance of accessibility in these sessions cannot be overstated. By embracing accessible presentations, the colloquium aims to enhance knowledge transfer, particularly for individuals whose native language is not English or who may face challenges related to disabilities or neurodivergence.

To address this challenge, we have collaborated with a team of researchers who are investigating the accessibility of presentations at academic conferences. As part of their work, they have created Cochrane Colloquium poster templates based on the latest evidence. In their ongoing efforts to drive innovation, the team has now developed Cochrane Colloquium PowerPoint presentation templates. Eager to delve into their evidence-based work, we sat down with the team to gain deeper insights into their latest contributions.

Can you tell us a bit about your elite research team so we have an understanding of how you are approaching academic posters and presentations?
Sure! We’ve built a diverse team of people from across IPG Health (Emily Messina, James Wells, Noofa Hannan, and Anja Petersen), and our team includes Zen Faulkes, author of the book “Better Posters” and founder of the Better Posters blog, Mike Morrison, the psychologist who created a redesign for scientific posters that went viral and started the #BetterPoster movement. We’ve all been to conferences where and crowded poster halls with posters just packed with information and gotten lost in talks with either too few slides or way too many slides. So we wanted to gather some data, specifically from those with accessibility needs or disabilities, on how we can make conference presentations a better, more accessible experience, for everyone.   

Similar to academic posters, the presentation’s role is to communicate the top research insights very quickly and engagingly. What do you see as the unique challenges that presentations give over posters?
Presentations are given more physical time to play out in front of a captive audience; you have the opportunity to fit in more information and provide both audio and visual communication. But it is still important to keep to your key message. There is a tendency sometimes to want to cram as much information into a talk as possible. However, this leads to a talk where the audience is overloaded and doesn’t remember half of what was presented. So in oral presentations, its also important to keep to your core message and keep in mind how much time you have.

Additionally, the extended platform of oral presentations also presents challenges —balancing the inclusion of ample information while ensuring accessibility for individuals with low vision, processing disorders, or other environmental conditions of the room such as dim lighting or sound distortion. You also need to ensure that anyone who may be hard of hearing or D/deaf, or perhaps neurodivergent, or folks who may struggle with the speakers accent or language can still follow along. A clear, concise, and decluttered presentation can help navigate through these challenges! 

Could you elaborate on the recommendations included about reducing clutter in presentations?
Sure! Our data show that conference attendees really want large, readable figures along with clear and concise text. Research indicates this greatly improves information retention. It's crucial to include only the necessary content to tell your story, as clutter can distract and confuse the audience. We encourage presenters to triage any additional content and ask themselves, "Does this enhance the clarity of my message?" If not, it's best to leave it out.

The idea is to have just enough information on the slide to reinforce your message and so that if the audience misses something you said, they can still follow along. Everything else should be left off the slide.

How important is plain language in creating accessible presentations?
The significance of plain language cannot be overstated! The Cochrane Community has already recognized its importance through the inclusion of plain language summaries with each Cochrane Review. However, the need for plain language extends to presentations as well. By employing clear, concise, and jargon-free language, researchers can successfully convey their findings to a wider audience. Prioritizing clarity and avoiding unnecessary complexity is crucial in ensuring effective communication. This holds particular relevance at Cochrane London, where the audience comprises individuals ranging from patients to advanced researchers.

Cochrane is adopting the #BetterPreseration design as the official presentation template for the Cochrane Colloquium. What can presenters expect?
Our aim is to empower researchers to effectively communicate their work to a diverse audience while ensuring accessibility and clarity. By adopting the #BetterPresentations templates, researchers can elevate the impact of their findings, facilitate knowledge transfer, and foster inclusivity within academic conferences. The #BetterPresentations templates are fully editable, allowing researchers to include their institution's logo and adapt the templates to suit the requirements of various academic conferences. This flexibility ensures that the templates can be used for the Cochrane London Colloquium or any other academic event.

And please get creative in how you make your presentations ‘feel’! Communicating study-relevant emotion is part of good science communication. We're excited to see what you come up with; please tag your social media posts about your presentations with #BetterPreserntations so we can see them!

And what can attendees of the Colloquium expect?
With the implementation of more engaging presentations, the Cochrane London Colloquium aims to delve into the fascinating and captivating aspects of research, enabling attendees to swiftly identify the presentations that align with their interests. This will pave the way for meaningful follow-up discussions with presenters, providing a valuable opportunity to delve deeper into the subject matter. We are looking forward to getting attendees' feedback, which will be collected through the official post-Colloquium survey. Your insights will play a crucial role in shaping future iterations of templates and ensuring an even more enriching experience for all.

• Download the #BetterPresentation template
• Download the #BetterPoster template
• Learn more about the Cochrane Colloquium, 4-6 September 2023

Cochrane evidence is now accessible in 21 languages, breaking linguistic barriers and empowering global evidence-informed health decisions.

Many people do not have access to high-quality health information, because it is not available in a language they understand. Only about 6% of the world’s population are native English speakers and 75% don’t speak English. 

The focus of our translation activities at Cochrane is on plain language summaries. Plain language summaries are created using standard content and structure and are written in accessible language. Looking to expand past the 16 languages we currently offer these summaries in, we have added five additional languages as part of a 2023 pilot project. The following groups will now be translating them into these languages: 

• Cochrane Belgium and Cochrane Netherlands – Dutch
• Cochrane India Affiliate, Institute of Dental Sciences – Hindi
• Cochrane Hungary – Hungarian
• Cochrane Indonesia – Indonesian
• Cochrane Romania – Romanian

Although the pilot project is currently unfunded, the participating teams receive access to Cochrane's technical translation infrastructure, training, and support. Their responsibilities include translating a limited number of plain language summaries per month and conducting knowledge translation activities in their respective languages. The success of the pilot project may lead to future expansions.

"I am thrilled by the expansion of Cochrane's language offerings and the remarkable dedication of our volunteers. Their contributions have made Cochrane evidence available in 21 languages, enabling us to reach a wider audience and facilitate evidence-informed health decisions across the globe. I extend my deepest gratitude to all the volunteers who have played a pivotal role in this exciting endeavor."

- Judith Deppe, Cochrane Multi-language Programme Manager

• Read Cochrane evidence in your language
  
• Learn how you can volunteer in our translation projects
• Donate to support our work

Cochrane is proud to announce new lifetime and emeritus memberships, recognizing the extraordinary contributions of individuals who have made an exceptional, long-standing contribution to Cochrane’s work and leadership. 

Cochrane's strength is in its collaborative, global community. Over the last 30 years, our members and supporters from more than 130 countries have worked together to produce credible, accessible health information and help inform health decision-making. Though we are spread out across the globe, our shared passion for health evidence unites us. 

Cochrane’s Membership scheme helps reward everyone who helps provide produce and disseminate Cochrane evidence, as well as provide leadership for our strategic goals. Membership is a valuable addition to résumés, gives you voting rights, and opens opportunities for getting involved in governance and learning opportunities. 

We are proud to recognise extraordinary contributions to Cochrane with Emeritus and Lifetime Memberships. These are awarded to those who have contributed to Cochrane’s success over many years and are now reducing or ending their active time with Cochrane.

Emeritus members: 
Individuals who made a significant long-standing contribution to the leadership of the organization.

• Gerd Antes
• Sally Bell-Syer
• Xavier Bonfill
• Iain Chalmers
• Kay Dickersin
• Muir Gray
• Jini Hetherington
• Sophie Hill
• Anne Lydiatt
• Nandi Siegfried
• Prathap Tharyan
• Hywel Williams

Lifetime members:
Individuals at all levels of the organization who have made an exceptional, long-standing commitment to Cochrane's work.

• Peter Herbison
• Anne Lethaby

Congratulations to all the inductees and a warm thank you for your contributions! 

• Learn about how you can join Cochrane
• Nominate a Cochrane Colleague

Specifications: Permanent
Salary:  £40,000 per Annum  
Location: Flexible. Cochrane's Central Executive Team is able to offer employment contracts in the UK, Germany or Denmark, and consultancy contracts outside these countries
Closing date: 11 July 2023

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.

Cochrane is committed to independence, transparency, and integrity in healthcare research. The role of the Research Integrity Editor is to support and strengthen this commitment through policy development, implementation, research, advocacy, and community outreach.   

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 everting 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 view the vacancy on our recruitment portal.
• The deadline to receive your application is 11 July 2023.
• 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
  

Specifications: Permanent – Full Time
Salary:  £55,000 per Annum  
Location: Remote - Ideally based in the UK, Germany or Denmark. Candidates from the rest of the world will be considered; however, Cochrane’s Central Executive Team is only able to offer consultancy contracts outside these countries.
Closing date: 11 July 2023
 
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 Executive Editor will be expected to prioritise and delegate editorial tasks as appropriate. The role holder will need to be an advocate for the Editorial Service internally and externally to Cochrane and remain alert to immediate demands of delivering high-quality review content for publication in a timely fashion.        

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 everting 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 to appand how ly, please view the vacancy on our recruitment portal.
• The deadline to receive your application is 11th July, 2023.
• 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 UK is hosting Cochrane’s Colloquium an eagerly anticipated event taking place in the vibrant city of London, UK from 4-6 September 2023. Under the theme "Forward together for trusted evidence," the 2023 Cochrane Colloquium promises to be a groundbreaking experience, featuring a dynamic blend of learning opportunities, networking sessions, inspiring plenary speakers, and engaging events.

Among the exciting highlights of the Colloquium, we are thrilled to unveil the captivating route for 2023 Anne Anderson Walk, an accessible self-guided journey that guides participants through the rich health history surrounding the conference centre and notable landmarks of London. With three eventful days of Colloquium content, we encourage you to indulge in this self-guided tour, granting yourself the opportunity to relax and proceed at your own tempo. Whether you choose to meet colleagues before, during, or after the Colloquium or simply take an evening stroll, this experience is designed to accommodate your personal preferences.

In an exclusive interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Anna Doherty, the person behind the map artwork of the Anne Anderson Walk. Anna shared her inspiration for the art and provided insights into what participants can expect along the route.

Hi Anna! Our Cochrane Community always finds it interesting to learn the backstory of things and learn more about people. Could you tell us a bit more about yourself?
“Hi! I’m an illustrator and author from Edinburgh, Scotland and now based in Cambridge, UK. Ever since I was very small, I’ve always enjoyed drawing, so when I finished school I went to study illustration at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design. After graduating, I wasn’t quite done with education! My favourite part of my undergrad had been narrative-based illustration, so I decided to study a masters in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art. Since graduating there, I’ve been working on a mixture of illustrating picture books, science illustration, and other little projects. I now have fourteen illustrated picture books published, some of which I wrote too! I am especially excited about working in non-fiction, which is why I think I enjoy science illustration so much because I love learning new facts and finding fun new things to share with people. The idea that something I have illustrated might teach someone something new excites me! I have a mini-series called Fantastically Feminist which focuses on celebrating stories of amazing women. I wanted to make space for kids to read in, that not only showed that everyone should be equal and that anyone can do anything regardless of their gender but also celebrated women who struggled to try and make things more equal for the rest of us in brilliant ways.”

You've illustrated the 2023 map of the Anne Anderson walk. But you're not new to Anne Anderson! - You've worked on Anne Anderson artwork that is included in Lifeology's Historic STEAM Heros card deck. Anne Anderson is a beloved person in the Cochrane Community. Can you tell us a bit about working on that artwork? 
 “Absolutely! It was a joy to learn more about this remarkable Scottish scientist and weave her story into the STEAM hero illustration. I thoroughly enjoyed delving into Anne Anderson's life, work and contributions, and understanding her role in the stream of thinking that gave birth to evidence-based healthcare - and ultimately led to the development of Cochrane. I was honoured to be a part of introducing Anne to a wider audience and celebrating her as a STEAM Hero.”

The Anne Anderson Walk is a cherished annual social event for Cochrane, where attendees explore the Colloquium host city and make a donation to next year’s Anne Anderson Award. Normally this walk is done as a group with a tour guide but this year to increase accessibility we are using a map to let people go at their own pace. What do you think of the route?
"After the organisers had mapped out the route, tested it several times, and then passed it on to me to illustrate, I was truly amazed at how many fascinating health history locations were close to the conference centre! Living in Cambridge, I’m so close to London myself, and yet I had no idea there were so many health history spots to visit all in a relatively small area! Attendees of the conference are in for a real treat as they self-guide and explore so much history right on their doorstep. There are iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the Florence Nightingale Museum along the route, however what excited me the most were the hidden gems that might be easily overlooked without the guidance of the route directions and details. Some I had never heard of before – so I was extra excited to be able to share them with more people through this map! I was captivated by the fascinating women and hidden tales of health history that unveil themselves along the Anne Anderson Walk, making it exciting even for those who may have already explored London before. Plus, the map is easy to navigate for people new to the city!"

What was your favourite aspect of the map to draw?
"That's a tough question! There were so many captivating elements to bring to life on the map. While I enjoyed drawing iconic London landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, if I had to choose, my favourite feature would be the Mary Seacole Statue. The statue itself is an amazing piece of art, but what makes it even more significant is that many people might unknowingly pass by it without venturing into the garden to explore further. I will always have a special space in my heart for any Woman in STEAM, but Mary Seacole in particular has been a fascinating historical figure to me for a while – and yet I had no idea she had a statue! I hope this map can be a step in bringing a wider audience to her. A Scottish-Jamaican nurse, Mary overcame racism and injustice to provide care for soldiers during the Crimean War. Her story is a one of resilience and the power of nursing in the face of adversity. We didn’t have space to include an icon from every location you can visit on the map, so including the Mary Seacole Statue was a deliberate choice to shed light on her remarkable contributions. And I think that Anne Anderson would approve of this addition, as it reflects her passion for highlighting unsung heroes in the field of healthcare!”

Your style is super cute - such a charming aesthetic! How do you do your artwork?
“Thank you so much! I would describe my art style as digital mixed media. My creative process typically involves drawing on a Wacom tablet, which is connected to my computer. As I draw on the tablet, the marks I make appear on my screen in Photoshop. I use a variety of brushes and layered textures to achieve different effects. To add more depth and visual interest, I incorporate scanned textures that I've created using things like ink and paint. This blending of digital and traditional elements allows me to bring a unique aesthetic to my artwork.”

Well, Anna, your map artwork has truly captured our hearts. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us and share your insights. We are confident that everyone will love the map and route you've created!

Don't miss the opportunity to explore the captivating Anne Anderson Walk during the Cochrane Colloquium. Get ready to embark on a remarkable journey through London's health history and significant landmarks - all steps away from #CochraneLondon!  

• Read about the route and details about each point of interest
• Make a donation to the Anne Anderson Award
• Download and print the map - we'll also have some printed copies at the Colloquium! 
• Visit the Cochrane Store
• Visit Anna’s website
• Follow Anna on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok

Global leaders in evidence-based healthcare highlight the urgent need to advance global health equity

Cochrane has partnered with JBI, Campbell Collaboration, GIN, the Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, the Centre for Evidence-based Health Care and NICE to launch the 2023 campaign for World Evidence-Based Healthcare (EBHC) Day, called ‘Evidence and Global Health Equity’.  

World EBHC Day is held on 20 October each year. It is a global initiative that raises awareness of the need for better evidence to inform healthcare policy, practice and decision-making in order to improve health outcomes globally. It is an opportunity to participate in debate about global trends and challenges and celebrate the impact of individuals and organisations worldwide, recognising the work of dedicated researchers, policymakers and health professionals in improving health outcomes. 

The 2023 campaign aims to examine how the global evidence community can foster and embed equity within and across evidence ecosystems to advance global health equity and inspire a collective drive among individuals and organisations to challenge the status quo and embrace a new paradigm of evidence generation and utilisation that propels progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

“In 2023 we reached the mid-way point for the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and a global commitment to ‘leave no one behind’, says World Evidence-Based Healthcare Day Chair, Bianca Pilla. "However, the global crises of humanitarian disasters, climate change and health pandemics are all impeding progress and exacerbating global health inequities, highlighting the urgency to strengthen local and global evidence ecosystems to address societal challenges."

Evidence is a prerequisite for achieving global health equity. Equitable health policies, systems and services are all dependent on functioning evidence ecosystems: the generation and application of evidence, whether this is by the public, health workers, researchers or policymakers.

"Global health equity rests on the foundation of robust evidence ecosystems," says Catherine Spencer, Cochrane CEO. "As a trusted leader in synthesizing health evidence for over 30 years, Cochrane is fully dedicated to promoting equity. We are excited to collaborate with the other World Evidence-Based Healthcare Day partners to emphasize that the development of equitable health policies, systems, and services hinges upon the effective generation and application of evidence by the public, health workers, researchers, and policymakers. Together, we can drive meaningful change and foster a future of inclusive healthcare."

In 2023 the organising partners have invited Health Information for All (HIFA), E-Base Africa, International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie), The George Institute for Global Health and University of Global Health Equity as campaign partners. Campaign partners collaborate with the organising partners of World Evidence-Based Healthcare Day to contribute to developing and strengthening the campaign, ‘Evidence and Global Health Equity’, with unique expertise, knowledge and resources.

The 2023 campaign is a call to action to take concrete steps towards equity-centred evidence-informed decision making, drawing attention to the need to enhance collaboration, information sharing and networking to increase access to research evidence, and to move towards integrated systems that prioritise equity, inclusivity and multisectoral participation of all actors.  

Many in the Cochrane community have submitted blogs, vlogs, and events for World Evidence-Based Healthcare Day to help share experiences and collective wisdom on fostering equity-centred evidence-informed decision-making and strengthening evidence ecosystems - check them out!

•  Visit the World EBH Day website

Jheng-Yan Wu shares how Cochrane has impacted his professional development and his clinical practice. 

A dietitian from Taiwan, Jheng-Yan Wu, has made waves in the global medical community by proudly displaying a permanent Cochrane logo tattoo on his forearm. Wu's decision to immortalize the iconic symbol in a tattoo signifies his unwavering dedication to evidence-based healthcare and the application of systematic reviews and meta-analysis in his clinical practice.

Wu's journey with Cochrane began in 2018 when he was first introduced to evidence-based medicine. Captivated by Cochrane's emphasis on global collaboration and its mission to enhance healthcare, Wu worked with Cochrane Taiwan, volunteering his time to translate six plain language summaries from English to Traditional Chinese. These translations aim to improve accessibility and knowledge dissemination, ensuring that evidence-based resources reach a global audience.

The year 2022 marked a significant turning point for Wu, as he took on the challenge of learning about the methodology behind writing systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Immersing himself in the wealth of techniques outlined in the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions and other resources on Cochrane Training, Wu deepened his understanding of evidence synthesis and further fueled his passion for incorporating rigorous research into their daily clinical practice.

It was during this period that Wu decided to permanently ink the Cochrane logo onto his arm, a testament to his commitment to evidence-based healthcare. The logo, displaying the forest plot of an iconic systematic review, serves as a constant reminder for Wu to apply the knowledge and insights gained from Cochrane's resources when making clinical decisions.

Reflecting on the significance of his tattoo, Wu expressed, "My Cochrane tattoo represents my passion for evidence-based healthcare. It serves as a constant reminder to strive for excellence in my clinical practice and to rely on high-quality evidence synthesis rather than individual studies when making clinical decisions. My ultimate aspiration is to work on a review published in the Cochrane Library and make a tangible impact on patient care."

Wu's tattoo is the second known instance of someone getting a Cochrane logo. The first is a parent who chose the Cochrane logo as an expression of gratitude and hope, as their premature baby's life was saved through an intervention supported by Cochrane evidence. These tattoos represent the tangible and lasting impact that Cochrane's work can have on clinicians, individuals, and families.

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• #MyCochraneStory - Read other stories about Cochrane Community members

Specifications: Permanent – Full Time
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Location: (Remote- Flexible) Ideally based in the UK, Germany or Denmark. Candidates from the rest of the world will be considered; however, Cochrane’s Central Executive Team is only able to offer consultancy contracts outside these countries (1-year fixed-term contracts)
Directorate: Evidence Production and Methods Directorate
Closing date: 02 July 2023

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.

As Assistant Quality Assurance Editor within Cochrane’s Editorial Department, you will provide support to the Quality Assurance Editor and Senior Quality Assurance Editor, to help them to assess whether protocols, reviews and updates submitted to Cochrane’s Central Editorial Service have met Cochrane’s methodological standards.

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 everting 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.

Cochrane has offices with payroll in the UK, Germany and Denmark. Candidates from other countries are employed on consultancy contracts.

How to apply

• For further information on the role and how to apply, please click here
• The deadline to receive your application is 2nd July, 2023.
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The official #CochraneLondon merchandise is available for purchase at the Cochrane Store. The items include tote bags, mugs, shirts, and more - allowing you to proudly display your support!

Cochrane UK is hosting the highly anticipated Cochrane Colloquium taking place in London, UK from 4-6 September 2023. With the theme “Forward together for trusted evidence”, the 2023 Cochrane Colloquium is set to be a groundbreaking event with a blend of knowledge sharing, networking opportunities, engaging plenary speakers, and captivating events. 

To mark the Colloquium, you can purchase merchandise to wear at #CochraneLondon and cherish as a meaningful souvenir afterwards. In an effort to prioritize sustainability, Cochrane has opted for a print-on-demand store, ensuring a more eco-friendly approach. Please note that these items will not be available for purchase at the Colloquium itself and must be acquired in advance.

"The Ann Anderson Walk is a cherished social event for the Cochrane Community, where Colloquium attendees explore the host city and donate to next year’s Anne Anderson Award. This year the self-guided walk takes people past some notable landmarks of London while teaching you about the surrounding health history and women's contributions to healthcare in London. I encourage everyone to set aside some time for the walk and make a donation. There is so much to see just steps from the conference centre and I am so excited to see this year's map added to the Anne Anderson designs already available in the store."
 
- Tiffany Duque, 2022 winner of the Anne Anderson Award

"It’s been a long time since our last Cochrane Colloquium. We’re bringing together Cochrane researchers, clinical professionals, early career professionals, patients and carers, policymakers, and anyone interested in evidence synthesis and evidence-based healthcare. We know that everyone in our community is excited for this year’s event. Take a look at our great #CochraneLondon items available to help celebrate. Alongside these are our Cochrane 30th Anniversary items, as we will be celebrating this milestone at the colloquium."

- Catherine Spencer, CEO of Cochrane

"The 2023 Cochrane Colloquium is just around the corner. This year’s Colloquium is a special one; with 5 long years since the last Colloquium, we can now come together again, and celebrate 30 years of Cochrane producing trusted evidence. We hope you find something in the Cochrane store as a memento of this historic event and we look forward to welcoming you to London!”

- Martin Burton, Director of Cochrane UK

Get some Cochrane London gear now and show your support for evidence-based healthcare!

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Cochrane recently participated in the 76th World Health Assembly (WHA), the world’s foremost global health policy event. Held at the UN Headquarters in Geneva, the WHA is the decision-making body for the World Health Organization (WHO), attended by representatives of all Member States, as well as NGOs and funding organisations. It is thus a key forum to advocate for evidence-informed health policies.

This year’s event marked the 75th anniversary of WHO’s founding and the agenda was packed with issues to address. Among these was an agreement for Member States to increase contributions to WHO’s budget, health emergency preparedness and response, as well as further discussion of the resolution to strengthen clinical trials passed last year.

WHA76 also marked the historic passing of the first ever resolution on strengthening rehabilitation in health systems. To commemorate the occasion, Cochrane Rehabilitation participated in a side event organised with NGOs and professional associations working in the field of rehabilitation, and sponsored by five Member States. Prof Stefano Negrini, Director of Cochrane Rehabilitation, represented Cochrane and spoke on the panel about the importance of using the best possible evidence for rehabilitation. He highlighted that around 9% of reviews on the Cochrane Library relate to rehabilitation, and the need for specific study designs.

Cochrane was represented at the WHA by Governing Board Co-Chair, Catherine Marshall; Editor in Chief, Dr Karla Soares-Weiser; CEO, Catherine Spencer; our Advocacy and Partnerships Lead, Emma Thompson. Given the historic focus on rehabilitation at the assembly, we were also joined by Prof Stefano Negrini and Dr Carlotte Kiekens from Cochrane Rehabilitation and Dr Cornelia Barth from Cochrane Switzerland.

In addition to following the assembly and attending side events, the team used the opportunity to meet with several of Cochrane’s partners from different WHO departments and other health-related organisations, as well as Dr Erik von Elm, Director of Cochrane Switzerland.

• Learn more about Cochrane's partnership with WHO
• Visit the Cochrane Rehabilitation website