We’re looking to the future
To maintain our hard-earned place as one of the world’s most trusted health evidence producers, Cochrane is changing the way we do things and a lot has already happened.
Some of these changes are significant but will lead to improvements for authors and users of Cochrane evidence. Please take a look at the information on this site to find out more, including project descriptions, FAQs and the latest news.
Cochrane’s new production model
Cochrane is transitioning to a new review production model over the coming years, gradually shifting away from its traditional model of Reviews being created exclusively through Cochrane Review Groups. This change, approved by the Governing Board in March 2022 after community consultation, involves developing new structures and tools and improving processes to ensure Cochrane remains viable, sustainable, and focused on major global health challenges now and into the future.
The new Central Editorial Service is fully operational and some Thematic Groups have been set up. We are now assessing applications for Evidence Synthesis Units. The key is to take an agile approach, to test out ideas and processes, and allow the model to evolve in ways that give us the best chance of success. As these two initiatives evolve, we hope to see some interesting synergies.
The concept of Thematic Groups arose during our community engagement exercise, as a way of preserving Cochrane’s extraordinary network of content and methods experts. Cochrane has an amazing volunteer community, and we want to harness people’s skills and expertise to address key global challenges. The first cohort of Thematic Groups has been established.
Alongside the Thematic Groups, we’re in the process of establishing Evidence Synthesis Units to enable Cochrane to respond quickly to funder and stakeholder needs. These units will focus primarily on delivering high-quality, high-impact synthesized evidevidence that addresses evolving global challenges.
The clear separation of evidence synthesis development from the editorial process is critical to strengthening Cochrane’s reputation for independence and providing a consistent experience for authors. The Central Editorial Service is operational and will manage the editorial process for all evidence syntheses by June 2024.
Key information for Authors and Cochrane Groups
Information for Authors
Cochrane has made some significant changes that will improve things for our authors. Please take a look to find out about the changes being made and where you can get information and support.
Information for Cochrane Groups
Cochrane Groups remain pivotal in shaping the future of Cochrane’s work. We rely on their expertise and experience, and are ensuring we keep collaborating as we all continue preparing for the future.
Voices and Viewpoints:
Latest News
Useful webinars and videos - ask questions, find training resources and find out more
As part of our ongoing Future Cochrane programme we have collated some useful webinars and training videos for members of our community to ask questions, share thoughts and ideas and discuss these changes.
See what’s coming up and take a look at our previous webinars
Key changes
Over the next few years, we are transitioning from our traditional structure of 52 review groups and satellites to a streamlined model.
Evidence Synthesis Units (ESUs): These will be located across high, low, and middle-income countries, and focus primarily on delivering high-quality, high-impact synthesized evidence to our stakeholders.
Thematic Groups: These groups will concentrate on global priorities, stakeholder engagement, consumer involvement, evidence synthesis, evidence dissemination, and knowledge translation.
Central Editorial Service: This service will manage the editorial process for all evidence syntheses published in the Cochrane Library, enhancing quality and consistency.
In addition to this, eleven focused projects are set to simplify systems and processes, developing tools to boost efficiency in evidence synthesis production.
This transformation won't happen overnight. We've proposed a change process spanning two to four years, allowing us to fine-tune the model.
Click here to read more about why these changes are happening
How will this affect Groups?
Existing entities like Cochrane Methods and Consumer Groups will continue to play important roles in the new model. Review Groups, Fields, and Geographic Groups with stable funding will operate during the transition time, considering their evolution within the new model over the next two to four years. Several groups are already 'early adopters' via Thematic Groups, while others may consider establishing a Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit in their region.
Thematic Groups will work alongside Evidence Synthesis Units to develop evidence synthesis to submit to a Central Editorial Service, to guarantee independence, quality assurance and integrity.
Cochrane Review Groups with secure funding or other means of supporting review development work are invited to focus on prioritisation, review preparation, and knowledge translation during the transition period. They will have time over the next two to four years to consider if, when and how they will evolve as part of the new model.
Cochrane Fields and Geographic Groups with stable funding will continue to operate throughout the transition period and will also have time to consider how may evolve as part of the new model.
Cochrane Methods and Consumer Groups have an ongoing role in the new model.