Looking back, looking forward: Cochrane’s Editor in Chief’s end of year editorial out today

Cochrane’s Editor in Chief, Dr Karla Soares-Weiser, today published a new editorial to mark the end of 2022 and the beginning of Cochrane's 30th anniversary year in 2023.

In Looking back, looking forward: Cochrane at 30 and beyond, Karla reflects on Cochrane’s many contributions to global health, recognizes past and future challenges, and shares her deep gratitude to the Cochrane community – who for three decades have delivered the trusted evidence our rapidly changing world needs.

‘As the third year of the pandemic draws to a close’ she writes, ‘it seems we have reached something of an inflection point where as individuals, as an organization, and as a global community we are looking back and assessing the consequences and costs of COVID-19, and to consider what lies ahead.’

In doing so, Karla looks back at the major challenges faced and achievements realized by Cochrane before and during the pandemic and looks forward as we transition to a new, sustainable model of evidence production in especially tumultuous times for health, funding and geo-political stability. She underscores the critical issue of equity following years of deepening health and wealth disparities, and restates Cochrane’s commitment to fostering diversity, tacking inequity and making a tangible contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

‘Cochrane's values, focus on collaboration, and commitment to rigour and innovation have been vital to cementing our reputation as the most trusted source of evidence in health and care decisions over three decades,’ she writes. ‘We draw on these strengths now more than ever, as the shifting health landscape demands that we increase the pace of high-quality evidence production, deliver on our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and respond in a more focused way to the diverse needs of all our users.’

‘The shape and output of our organization continues to adapt to the needs of the times, while together we continue to deliver the evidence the world needs at this critical juncture for humanity.’

Read Karla’s full editorial in the Cochrane Library.