Cochrane Thematic Groups are topic-based collectives that work to identify priority areas, develop and disseminate high-quality evidence syntheses, ensure relevance, and maximize impact. The idea for these groups was developed in collaboration with Cochrane members, to ensure that we continue to harness the skills and knowledge held within Cochrane’s amazing volunteer community.

Thematic Groups draw together clinical, lived-experience and evidence synthesis method expertise to prioritize, develop and disseminate Cochrane evidence. To ensure that Cochrane addresses the most urgent and impactful health issues worldwide, Thematic Groups will be structured according to key external frameworks, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Global Burden of Disease and Social Determinants of Health.

Thematic Groups will help us stay connected with important external groups like guideline developers, government agencies, disease associations and patient/caregiver groups; and will work with Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Units by providing the right content expertise when needed. We envisage a flexible, supportive relationship between the Thematic Groups and Evidence Synthesis Units, which will help Cochrane to prioritize precious human resources and deliver evidence syntheses that address global health concerns.

Seven Thematic Groups pilots are underway, including:

• Global Ageing*

• Health Equity

• Nutrition and Physical Activity

• People, Public Health and Health Systems

• Sexual and Reproductive Health

• Heart, Stroke and Circulation

• Work and Health and Social Security

*website under development

Within the current set of Thematic Groups, many Groups are opting to develop Cochrane evidence syntheses. Right now, this is not a mandatory activity (unlike the Evidence Synthesis Units where evidence development is the focal activity), however, this will be reviewed as part of the pilot.

Funding

Cochrane Thematic Groups will not be funded centrally. Their leaders will be responsible for identifying suitable funding mechanisms for their activities; however, the Cochrane Central Executive Team will provide fundraising support while the Thematic Groups are being established.