Cochrane announces launch of first Evidence Synthesis Units
We’re pleased to announce the launch of Cochrane’s first Evidence Synthesis Units. These collaborative, multi-topic research groups will play a crucial role in delivering trusted Cochrane evidence to address major global health challenges.
We received a strong response to our call for applications late last year, with proposals coming from ten countries across six continents. We acknowledge the time and effort taken by all the applicants and thank them for engaging so wholeheartedly. We are also very grateful to our Assessment Panel, which carefully considered and discussed every application.
Our new Evidence Synthesis Units
We are excited to announce five new Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Units, built on collaborations that will be led by senior Cochrane members from around the world:
Australia: Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit Lead, Sally Green.
Iberoamerica: Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit Lead, Eva Madrid.
India: Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit Lead, Meenu Singh.
Germany: Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit Lead, Nicole Skoetz.
Nigeria: Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit Lead, Martin Meremikwu.
Each unit lead will be supported by a highly skilled core team. The Units will now be tasked with producing high-quality manuscripts, ensuring the prompt delivery of impactful Cochrane evidence, when and where it is needed.
Global Reach and collaboration
The geographic spread of the new units reflects Cochrane’s commitment to producing evidence that helps to improve people’s health worldwide. Beyond generating high-quality evidence syntheses, the units will also adopt innovative methods, promote health equity and champion research integrity and strengthen or develop stakeholder partnerships to support Cochrane’s long-term sustainability,
“By implementing structural changes, Cochrane aims to become more agile and adaptable in a competitive environment, enabling the organisation to effectively execute its new Scientific Strategy.”
The new Evidence Synthesis Units are a key part of a wider change programme in Cochrane, as Editor in Chief Karla Soares-Weiser explains: “The Future of Evidence Synthesis programme is having a transformative impact on Cochrane’s ability to deliver reviews that respond to the needs of our users worldwide. By implementing structural changes, Cochrane aims to become more agile and adaptable in a competitive environment, enabling the organisation to effectively execute its new scientific strategy.”
Ruth Foxlee, Head of Change Management in Cochrane’s Evidence Production & Methods Directorate, said: “I’m really pleased that we now have our first group of Evidence Synthesis Units and I’d like to thank everyone who applied and all those who helped us to achieve this important milestone. We envision a flexible, collaborative relationship between the Evidence Synthesis Units and other Cochrane groups, including Thematic Groups. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact these units will have globally.”
Our mission to collaborate globally to produce accessible, trusted Cochrane evidence and deliver equitable health for all, is shared by the new unit leads:
Australia: Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit - Lead, Sally Green:
“For nearly 30 years, Cochrane Australia and the Australian-based Cochrane groups have been home to many of Cochrane’s leading experts in evidence synthesis, systematic review methods and knowledge translation. We are thrilled to be selected as one of the first Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Units, and look forward to drawing on our collective expertise, technical know-how and long-standing partnerships with evidence synthesis colleagues in Australia to build this new collaboration.
Iberoamerica: Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit - Lead, Eva Madrid.
“We envision becoming a leading hub for evidence synthesis in the Ibero-American region, renowned for its rigorous methodologies, timely delivery, and contributions to advancing healthcare knowledge. Through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technologies, we aspire to drive positive change and foster better health and more equity across diverse communities."
Germany: Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit - Lead, Nicole Skoetz:
“I am thrilled and highly honoured by the opportunity to lead the German Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit. We have a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with our teams in Cologne/Köln, Düsseldorf, and Oxford to provide high-quality, trusted and timely evidence and contribute to the key mission of Cochrane. As a team we will focus on clear accountability, strong communication, and transparent decision-making, increasing capacity to deliver high-quality and ensuring a sustainable future for Cochrane”.
India: Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit - Lead, Meenu Singh
“We are very proud to lead the Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit in India. We believe this initiative will enhance regional collaboration and significantly contribute to Value-Based Medicine. This approach integrates core evidence with considerations of equity, access, and cost-effectiveness in healthcare, which is essential today”
Nigeria: Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit - Lead, Martin Meremikwu.
“A Cochrane ESU in Nigeria provides a huge opportunity to galvanize the strengths of the growing number of academics, researchers, graduate students, clinical and public health professionals who make up the West African hub of the Cochrane African Network, to produce reliable knowledge products to inform evidence-based health policy and practice in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond”