The arrival of 2025 means that we are now wrapping up our Future of Evidence Synthesis Programme, with several projects now closed and a few more due to wrap up by April 2025.

All aspects of the programme were designed to ensure that Cochrane is well-placed to meet rapidly shifting needs and challenges in global healthcare. It has been an ambitious programme that has introduced some important changes to how Cochrane develops, publishes, and shares its reviews.

A New Model for Synthesising Evidence

At the heart of this transformation is Cochrane’s new model for producing Cochrane evidence syntheses. The model retains many of the strengths that Cochrane’s reputation has been built on and added some new elements that will help to ensure Cochrane is sustainable and focused on major global health challenges now and into the future.

Evidence Synthesis Units and Thematic Groups

A key structural change has been the creation of Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Units and Thematic Groups, to help us address the world’s urgent health challenges more efficiently and collaboratively.

Cochrane Thematic Groups are topic-based collectives with specialist knowledge and expertise. They help identify priority areas, engage with key stakeholders, harness Cochrane’s global volunteer network and support the production and dissemination of high-quality Cochrane evidence syntheses. We have set up twelve Thematic Groups, each led by experts in their respective fields. Find out more.

Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Units are collaborative, multi-topic research groups, created to support delivery of trusted, timely Cochrane evidence to address major global health challenges. The geographic spread of the five new units reflects Cochrane’s commitment to producing evidence that helps to improve people’s health worldwide. Find out more.

Centralised Editorial Service

Cochrane’s Central Editorial Service has been scaled up to ensure an independent, and rigorous quality assurance process across all manuscripts and a more consistent experience for author teams. The Editorial Service works with Cochrane group members who contribute their expertise throughout the peer review process. Importantly, the centralisation eliminates conflicts of interest, with clear separation between manuscript development and editorial decisions. This ensures Cochrane reviews remain impartial, credible, and scientifically robust.

Simplifying the author journey

Cochrane’s authors are critical to Cochrane success – past and future – so through the Future of Evidence Synthesis programme we have introduced tools to make their experience smoother. The adoption of the Focused Review Format prioritises simplicity and clarity in review writing. This format reduces complexity for authors, speeds up review development time, and ensures Cochrane reviews communicate a clear message.

A major upgrade to RevMan, Cochrane’s authoring platform, has also taken place. The introduction of ‘study centric data’ streamlines data management, enabling authors to easily enter, reuse, and export data, reducing errors and saving time. Gone are the days of cumbersome back-and-forth data handling; authors can now focus on crafting compelling, well-supported reviews that inform global health decisions. Cochrane has expanded its resources for authors with dedicated roles, such as Evidence Synthesis Development Editors, to guide authors of high-priority review from planning to submission and offer expert advice on everything from scoping reviews to evaluating evidence quality. This hands-on assistance ensures Cochrane’s highest-priority reviews meet the highest standards while maintaining a personal touch.

Updated reporting standards and improved accessibility

A shift to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews signals another step forward. Cochrane reviews now align with international standards, making them easier to produce and more user-friendly for their global audience. This transition reduces administrative burden while enhancing the clarity and accessibility of Cochrane’s output.

Additionally, systematic reviews produced in RevMan now come with downloadable data packages in formats like CSV, broadening the potential for research collaboration and reducing duplication. These changes solidify Cochrane’s commitment to Open Science, making its data transparent and accessible for the wider research community.

Global impact and inclusivity

With a renewed focus on inclusivity Cochrane seeks to ensure that its evidence reaches and benefits people everywhere. Evidence Synthesis Units in regions such as Nigeria and India reflect a deeper commitment to continue ensuring that our geographic representation in evidence synthesis is widespread and equal. Collaborations with global organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and local stakeholders in lower- and middle-income countries guarantee that Cochrane’s work addresses health inequities and meets diverse regional needs.

Inclusivity extends into the review process itself. With improved tools and simplified reporting standards, researchers from underrepresented regions and early-career scientists face fewer procedural barriers, increasing opportunities for collaboration and contribution to prioritise reviews that tackle globally significant issues.

Toward a brighter future for health evidence

The changes implemented as part of the Future of Evidence Synthesis Programme are not just about improving internal efficiencies, they are about creating a lasting impact. By adapting to a fast-changing scientific landscape, Cochrane can continue to contribute meaningfully to global health challenges now and in the future.

At a time of significant uncertainty, the Cochrane community has played an important role in the transformation. Together, community members have shown great resilience, ensuring these improvements address the real-world needs of practitioners, policymakers, and patients. These advancements not only secure Cochrane’s future but reaffirm its role as a bedrock of reliable health evidence in an uncertain world. For everyone who relies on trusted, accessible, and impactful health evidence, the changes brought by the Future of Evidence Synthesis programme are already making a difference. Cochrane is now better equipped than ever to deliver on its mission of improving health decisions - and people’s lives - worldwide.

Title: Deputy Head of Communications
Specifications: Permanent – Full Time
Salary: £55,000 per annum
Location: (Remote) based in the UK, Germany or Denmark.
Directorate: Development Directorate
Closing date: 24 January, 2025

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information. The Deputy Head of Communications is an exciting new role that reflects the strategic importance of digital communications to this internationally renowned organization. It represents a rare opportunity to shape strategy, transform the charity’s digital presence, and experience working at a senior level when deputising for the Head of Communications.

You will create and implement the organization’s digital strategy, managing a team of experienced and dedicated web and communications specialists. Together you will deliver high-quality, targeted digital channels and marketing that inspire engagement and support from a range of stakeholder audiences.

Initial priorities will be to:

a) build digital communications capacity by recruiting three new roles (Digital Marketing Manager, Digital Marketing Officer and Copywriter);
b) develop a digital marketing strategy, based on a recent audit of channels and performance; and
c) establish and embed processes to ensure the relaunched Cochrane website is dynamic, useful and accessible to Cochrane’s key audiences.

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organization is built on four core values: Collaboration: Underpins everting we do, locally and globally. Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format. Integrity: Independent and transparent. Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect: 

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
• A flexible work environment.
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences.
• An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

• For further information on the role and how to apply, please click here.
• The deadline to receive your application is 24 January, 2025.
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples.
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement.

Title:  Administrative Assistant
Specifications: 12 month Fixed term contract – Full Time
Salary: £27,000 per annum
Location: (Remote) based in the UK, Germany or Denmark
Directorate: Evidence Production and Methods Directorate
Closing date: 10 January, 2025

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

This role provides effective and efficient administrative support the Cochrane Evidence Production & Methods Directorate (EPMD), primarily supporting the two Deputies and three Heads of the department.

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organization is built on four core values: Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally. Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format. Integrity: Independent and transparent. Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect:

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally
• A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences
• An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values. Cochrane has offices with payroll in the UK, Germany and Denmark.

How to apply

• For further information on the role and how to apply, please click here
• The deadline to receive your application is 10 January, 2025.
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples.
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement.

Title: Senior Administrative Officer (BGESC)
Specifications: 6 month Fixed term contract – Full Time
Salary: £35, 000 per annum
Location: (Remote) based in the UK, Germany or Denmark.
Directorate: Evidence Production and Methods Directorate
Closing date: 5 January, 2025

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.
As the BGESC Senior Administrative Officer, you will be key in providing high-level administrative, organizational, and logistical support to BGESC Project Manager, BGESC leadership team (four people) and to the Co-chairs of six international working/planning groups (approximately 20 people per group including Co-chairs).

This role is essential for ensuring the smooth execution of the ‘Building a Global Evidence Synthesis Community’ initiative, within a tight timeframe. By efficiently managing administrative tasks and optimizing processes, you will enable the Project Manager and leadership team to concentrate on strategic priorities and delivering key project milestones. The BGESC Administrative Officer will also provide support to BGESC Planning Clerks and Planning Analysts (nine people), who in turn work closely with the working/planning groups Co-chairs.

The BGESC project is part of the Wellcome Trust’s wider ‘Evidence Synthesis Infrastructure Collaborative’ initiative, but the successful candidate will be a Cochrane employee.

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organization is built on four core values: Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally. Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format. Integrity: Independent and transparent. Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect:

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally
• A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences
• An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values. Cochrane has offices with payroll in the UK, Germany and Denmark.

How to apply

• For further information on the role and how to apply, please click here
• The deadline to receive your application is 5 January, 2025.
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples.
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement.

In 2019, Cochrane published an amended version of the review 'Exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome’ and, at that time, announced an intention to further update the review. Due to insufficient new research in the field and a lack of resources to oversee this work, the update will not be proceeding.

Any feedback on this decision should follow Cochrane’s established complaints process. Any correspondence sent directly to individuals at Cochrane will not be considered.

Cochrane is part of a new global consortium to develop new tools, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), to analyse and synthesise research evidence on the relationships between climate change and human health.

The consortium is supported by a £10.2 million grant from Wellcome over four years, led by the Berlin-based climate research institute MCC.

The DESTINY project will develop novel AI-driven tools to make evidence synthesis faster, more efficient and continuously updated. The tools aim to automate and streamline tasks such as detecting relevant individual studies, extracting and synthesising their respective findings and identifying overarching insights.

As an internationally-recognised leader in evidence synthesis for human health, Cochrane will help to apply our methodological expertise to the field of climate research. We will co-lead several work programmes with the Campbell Collaboration, who specialize in evidence synthesis for social research.

It will be vital to ensure that outputs from automated tools are responsible and robust, with human oversight offering safeguards and methodological expertise. Cochrane will co-lead this workstream with Campbell, defining standards for responsible AI use and producing best-practice guidance. We will also help to ensure that the technology can be used equitably across the world, working with our extensive global network and consortium partners to build and strengthen capacity.

“Climate change poses one of the greatest threats to human health, so this project is both vital and timely,” says Dr Karla Soares-Weiser, Editor-in-Chief of the Cochrane Library and co-Principal Investigator on the DESTINY project. “It has the potential to transform evidence synthesis for climate and health, equipping decision-makers with the evidence they need to make informed decisions. Climate change is a key research priority in Cochrane’s scientific strategy, while methodological innovation is one of our core commitments. The DESTINY project will enable us to further these goals in collaboration with partners across the world, all bringing our own strengths to deliver the best outcomes.”

The project takes place in the context of a wider investment into evidence synthesis infrastructure, with £54.2 million of funding announced in September from both Wellcome and the UK government. The DESTINY grant is a separate award focused on climate change and health, signalling Wellcome’s leadership in this area.

“Stopping climate change is critical for securing human health,” says Jan Minx, head of the MCC working group Applied Sustainability Science and principal investigator of the DESTINY project. “Policymakers need the best and most recent scientific evidence to support their decisions, but the ready-to-hand evidence is often anecdotal and outdated. This project is pushing the boundaries of what is possible by using the latest advances in AI. It will demonstrate that the scientific knowledge needed for health-centred climate action can be synthesised and provided almost instantly. Speed and scientific rigour can go hand in hand – this is key to efficiently solving the big issues of our time.”

The consortium partners are Cochrane, University College London, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, the ACRES Center for Rapid Evidence Synthesis, Future Evidence Foundation, the African Synthesis Centre for Climate Change, Environment and Development, Effective Basic Services (eBase) Africa, the Campbell Collaboration. “Having a diverse community of partners will ensure equity and inclusion in global evidence infrastructures,” says Patrick Okwen, Co-Investigator from eBase Africa.

Title: Assistant Quality Assurance Editor
Specifications: Permanent – Full Time
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Location: (Remote) based in the UK, Germany or Denmark
Directorate: Evidence Production and Methods Directorate
Closing date: 17 December 2024

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

As Assistant Quality Assurance Editor within Cochrane’s Editorial Department, you will provide support to the Quality Assurance Editor and Senior Quality Assurance Editor, to help them to assess whether protocols, reviews and updates submitted to Cochrane’s Central Editorial Service have met Cochrane’s methodological standards. The post holder will provide this support by gathering information on individual reviews (e.g., by performing initial checks on submitted reviews, identifying and accessing relevant papers, or performing consistency checks within the reviews), assisting with the write up of peer review reports, and helping the Quality Assurance Team to reach consensus on recommendations to make for each submission.

You will also be trained to conduct your own full assessments of protocols, reviews and updates submitted to Cochrane’s Central Editorial Service have met Cochrane’s methodological standards, with the possibility of moving up a level to the role of ‘Quality Assurance Editor’ at a future stage. 

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organisation is built on four core values:

Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally.

Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format.

Integrity: Independent and transparent.

Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect:

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
•   A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences.
•  An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences.

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations, and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

•  For further information on the role and click “how to apply”.
• The deadline to receive your application is 17 December, 2024.
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples.
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement

Title: Consumer Support Officer
Specifications: Fixed term contract (12 months) – Part time 0.6 FTE (22.5 hours)
Salary: £35,000 (pro-rata) per annum
Location: Remote working (UK office located in Central London)
Closing date: 11 December 2024
             
Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

Cochrane's strength is in its collaborative, global community. We have 110,000+ members and supporters around the world. Though we are spread out across the globe, our shared passion for health evidence unites us. Our Central Executive Team supports this work and is divided into four directorates: Evidence Production and Methods, Publishing and Technology, Development, and Finance and Corporate Services.

The Consumer Support Officer will work closely with Cochrane’s Consumer Engagement Manager to support the involvement of consumers (patients, carers and the public) in the Welcome-funded GALENOS project, including in systematic reviews about mental health topics. Support of consumers in this work will involve connecting consumers with lived experience of mental health challenges to researchers, developing learning resources to support consumer involvement in systematic reviews, and generally promoting patient and public involvement in the systematic review space.

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organisation is built on four core values:

Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally.

Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format.

Integrity: Independent and transparent.

Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect:

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
•   A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences.
•  An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences.

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations, and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

•  For further information on the role and click “how to apply”.
• The deadline to receive your application is 11 December, 2024.
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples.
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement

Title: Business Development Manager
Specifications: Permanent – Full time
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Location: Remote working (UK office located in Central London)
Closing date:  3 January 2025

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

Cochrane has ambitious plans to raise funds to support our work to address the world’s most pressing health challenges. This role will work closely with the Head of Business Development to implement a strategic fundraising plan to make those ambitions a reality. 

We are seeking a self-starter; an experienced and energetic fundraiser with a proven track-record of successfully securing five and six figure gifts from a wide range of donors. You have experience of fundraising from global high-value trusts and foundations, as well as from government or multilateral donors (e.g. the European Union).   

You are an experienced donor account manager with excellent communication skills. You will promote best practice within your field of expertise and will work to ensure the highest quality and levels of efficiency. You are aligned with Cochrane’s core mission and vision, and you will be comfortable brokering relationships with representatives from key donors. 

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organisation is built on four core values:

Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally.

Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format.

Integrity: Independent and transparent.

Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect:

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
•   A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences.
•  An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences.

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations, and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

•  For further information on the role and click “how to apply”.
• The deadline to receive your application is 3 January, 2025.
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples.
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement