Following our recent callout for further applications to form new Cochrane Thematic Groups, we are pleased to announce the members of the independent assessment panel. The panel has begun assessing the submissions and the next Thematic Groups will be announced in the coming months.

The panel comprises of experts from various countries and fields and has been assembled to ensure a fair and transparent assessment of applications. We’ve reviewed any potential conflicts and taken steps to eliminate biases from the selection process. We’re very grateful to the panel members for agreeing to play such a crucial role in preparing Cochrane’s new production model.

Take a look below to find out more.

Dachi Arikpo – Researcher, Cochrane Nigeria

Dr. Dachi Arikpo is a senior researcher at the Institute of Tropical Diseases Research and Prevention at the University of Calabar and an expert contributor to Cochrane Nigeria. She also coordinates the West Africa hub of the Cochrane Africa Network. Holding a PhD in Health Economics, Dr. Arikpo has authored both quantitative and qualitative systematic reviews. Her research addresses critical public health challenges in Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries, focusing on the most pressing health and economic concerns in those regions.

Lisa Askie – World Health Organization, Switzerland

Prof. Lisa Askie (PhD, MPH, BN, FAHMS, FHEA) leads best practice methods at the World Health Organisation. Before joining WHO, she managed significant research projects at the University of Sydney, including the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry and Health Technology Assessments. She has hosted two Cochrane entities and completed her postdoc at the UK Cochrane Centre. Prof Askie has had over 100 scientific papers published and has significant expertise in clinical trials and systematic reviews.

Lisa Bero – University of Colorado Anschutz, USA

Prof. Lisa Bero is globally recognized for her research on evidence integrity and health policy. She serves as Professor of Medicine and Public Health and Chief Scientist at the University of Colorado. Her extensive Cochrane roles include author, editor, Centre Director, and Governing Board Co-Chair. Prof. Bero also contributes to WHO, including as Chair of the Essential Medicines Committee.

Patricia Cassano – Cornell University, USA

Dr. Patricia Cassano (MPH, PhD) is Professor and Director of the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell and Professor of Healthcare Policy at Weill Cornell Medical College. Specializing in nutrition and genetics, particularly respiratory diseases, she oversees epidemiological studies incorporating biological and molecular markers. Dr Cassano is also Associate Centre Director of Cochrane US.

Declan Devane – University of Galway, Ireland

Prof. Declan Devane is Chair in Health Research Methodology and Deputy Dean at NUI Galway. He directs Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland, focusing on randomized trials and evidence synthesis. Originally trained as a nurse and midwife, Declan has extensive experience in trials methodology and leadership in a number of prestigious roles.

Davina Ghersi – Monash University, Australia

Prof. Davina Ghersi has been a key contributor to several Cochrane groups, particularly Cochrane Breast Cancer and the Prospective Meta-Analysis Methods Group. She has also served on various Cochrane advisory panels, including a six-year tenure on the Steering Group. With a strong focus on knowledge translation, she specializes in the use of health evidence in policymaking, guideline development and implementation. Her expertise extends to publication bias, selective reporting, research transparency and accountability, systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Davina is currently an Adjunct Professor at Sydney Medical School.

Jordi Pardo Pardo – University of Ottawa, Canada

Jordi Pardo Pardo is a project manager at the Ottawa Methods Centre and a member of Cochrane’s Governing Board. Trained as a journalist, he ventured into systematic reviews and health research via the Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre in Barcelona. Over the years, Jordi has taken on numerous roles within Cochrane, including administrator for the Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre and Managing Editor of the Musculoskeletal and Lung Cancer Review Groups. He now contributes to the Equity Thematic Group, offering methodological support for guideline development with a focus on equity.

Rachel Plachcinski – Cochrane Consumer Network, UK

Rachel Plachcinski is an independent consultant specializing in parent, patient, and public involvement in research. She facilitated antenatal classes for 18 years and collaborates with Oxford University’s National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit. Holding degrees in psychology (BSc) and psychological approaches to health (MSc), Rachel serves on several committees advocating consumer representation in research.

Yemisi Takwoingi – University of Birmingham, UK

Prof. Yemisi Takwoingi is Professor of Test Evaluation and Evidence Synthesis and Deputy Director of the Institute of Applied Health Research at the University of Birmingham. She focuses on diagnostic test evaluation and developing methods for primary studies and systematic reviews. Prof Takwoingi is also a member of Cochrane’s Editorial Board and Co-convenor of the Screening and Diagnostic Tests Methods Group.