Cochrane Reviews: a breakdown of tasks done by Review Groups and the Central Editorial Service

Editorial independence and research integrity are essential to Cochrane’s future. As a provider of trusted evidence, we need a consistent, transparent, independent editorial process for every publication on the Cochrane Library. This is why review development and editorial functions will be completely separated from the end of March 2024. Editorial tasks will be completed by the Central Editorial Service, while Cochrane Review Groups and other groups continue the important work of developing reviews.

Cochrane Review Groups, alongside emerging Thematic Groups and Evidence Synthesis Units, have a crucial role to play in Cochrane’s future. Editorial staff in the Central Editorial Service assess submissions and manage peer review. The Central Editorial Service does not create new reviews, or support authors to produce reviews. This is where we need your valuable input. As members of a Cochrane Review Group, you can prioritise, initiate and write – or support authors to write – protocols and reviews. You can also coordinate dissemination activities and work with funders to raise the profile of Cochrane evidence.

By separating the review development and editorial evaluation functions and streamlining the editorial process, we hope to create space for Cochrane Review Groups and Thematic Groups to focus more of their time and expertise on supporting authors to create high-impact Cochrane Reviews and increase exposure to Cochrane evidence globally.