Title: Executive Support Officer
Specifications: Permanent – Full time
Salary: £43,000 per annum
Location: Remote working
Closing date: 7 November 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 five directorates: Evidence Production and Methods, Publishing and Technology, Development, Chief Executive Office and Finance and Corporate Services.

As the Executive Support Officer, you will be key in providing high-level administrative, organizational, and logistical support to the Editor-in-Chief (EiC) and facilitating alignment with the senior Evidence Production & Methods (EPMD) team. This role is essential for ensuring the smooth operation of EPMD projects and activities while also supporting Cochrane’s Editorial Board. By efficiently managing administrative tasks and optimizing processes, you will enable the EiC to concentrate on strategic priorities and key projects.

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.

How to apply 

• For further information on the role and click “how to apply”.
• The deadline to receive your application is 7 November 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.

“When my husband was faced with a major decision between surgery and radiation for his cancer treatment, we were overwhelmed by the different perspectives from the specialists — each one focusing only on their own treatment. No one put the options side by side. That’s where the patient decision aids made all the difference. We felt empowered, informed, and confident in the choice we made — knowing we had truly considered every option.” — Maureen Smith, caregiver and patient advocate. 

Patient decision aids (PDAs), like the one Maureen and her husband used, are evidence-based tools that help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare. These tools help patients understand the benefits and risks of each option while clarifying their personal values. Often, decision aids include visual tools such as charts or diagrams to simplify complex medical data, making it easier for patients to grasp the implications of their choices. PDAs also encourage collaboration between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that decisions align with both medical expertise and the patient’s informed preferences. 

A Cochrane review led by Professor Dawn Stacey analyzed data from over 200 studies and found that PDAs significantly improve patient knowledge, reduce decisional conflict, and support informed, values-based choices. The review examined decision aids used across 71 different health decisions, including cardiovascular treatments, cancer screening, mental health care, and joint replacement surgery. Stacey, who has led the review since 2010, explained that the evidence supporting PDAs has only grown stronger over time, showing their positive impact on both decision-making processes and the quality of decisions themselves. PDAs are particularly useful for preparing patients and their family members to take a more active role in making decisions. 

Maureen’s experience reflects this impact. As her husband's primary caregiver, they received information from two different specialists; each focused on their specific treatment without offering a full comparison of options. Feeling overwhelmed, Maureen turned to patient decision aids that she had learned about through her research involvement. Sitting together at their kitchen table, they used the decision aid on their laptops, reviewing the pros and cons of surgery versus radiation in detail. 

“We took our time, discussing each part and revisiting the options when needed,” says Maureen. “It allowed us to compare the options side by side, understand the long-term consequences, and align the decision with what was truly important to my husband.” This process transformed an overwhelming situation into a structured, informed journey where both Maureen and her husband felt prepared and supported. 

Ultimately, her husband opted for surgery, confident that they had fully weighed all the options. Today, Maureen looks back with gratitude, knowing the decision aid gave them control during a difficult time in their lives. “We knew we had considered everything, and that gave us peace of mind.”  

PDAs also provide broader benefits. According to Dawn Stacey, PDAs empower patients by improving their knowledge and understanding of the treatment options available. "Patients feel more prepared because now when they are in the consultation, they are not trying to learn everything being said by the doctor or nurse practitioner," says Stacey. PDAs give patients the tools to ask better questions and engage in meaningful discussions about their treatment. This improved communication reduces decisional conflict and patients feel more confident in the choices they make. 

The use of decision aids is also transforming healthcare systems globally. Following the January 2024 update of the Cochrane Review, Brazil is set to integrate PDAs into its national healthcare system. This initiative seeks to shift Brazil's traditionally paternalistic healthcare model—where doctors often hold the primary decision-making power—toward a more patient-centered approach. Juliana Sousa, a project leader, emphasized the project's goal: “We want to empower patients to have a voice in their healthcare decisions, moving away from the provider-dominated approach to one where patient input is valued.” 

The project, currently in its formative stage, involves collaboration between Brazilian healthcare experts, international partners, and the authors of the Cochrane review. The team will test the implementation in primary care settings and home care programs to evaluate its impact on patient-provider communication and healthcare outcomes. Running until 2026, the initiative plans to integrate PDAs into digital healthcare platforms managed by the Ministry of Health, ensuring that decision aids cover a wide range of medical conditions. 

Before the January 2024 Cochrane Review update, several countries had already implemented PDAs into their healthcare systems. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) incorporated PDAs into clinical guidelines, promoting their use to improve patient experience and support shared decision-making across various medical fields. Germany has launched large-scale projects, such as the “SHARE TO CARE” initiative, which integrates shared decision-making across healthcare settings with support from health insurers. Similarly, Denmark’s efforts, particularly in the Region of Southern Denmark, involve over 25,000 healthcare professionals across major hospitals like Odense University Hospital. These initiatives are backed by national policies that encourage patient involvement and evidence-based decision-making. 

In Taiwan, the Joint Commission of Taiwan (JCT), under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, has developed a nationwide project focusing on integrating shared decision-making into clinical practice. This project aims to improve communication between healthcare providers and patients, ensuring treatment decisions align with patients' values and preferences. 

These global initiatives highlight the increasing acceptance of PDAs in modern healthcare. However, while the benefits of PDAs are clear, Stacey says there is need for more widespread implementation to ensure their full potential is realized. “Healthcare professionals need to have training in how to involve patients in decision-making and change their approach to how they discuss options with patients," Stacey explains. She added that PDAs work best when healthcare teams—not just individual doctors—are trained to use them effectively. Patients, too, need to be encouraged to take an active role in their healthcare decisions.  

Stacey's message is clear, "Patient decision aids work. But they only work if they are used." The next steps involve ensuring that PDAs are integrated into routine healthcare practices globally, with adequate training for healthcare professionals and increased awareness for patients.   

World Evidence-based Heathcare Day is held on 20 October each year. It is a global initiative that raises awareness of the need for better evidence to inform healthcare policy, practice and decision making in order to improve health outcomes globally. It provides an opportunity to participate in debate about global trends and challenges, but also to celebrate the impact of individuals and organisations worldwide, recognising the work of dedicated researchers, policymakers and health professionals in improving health outcomes.

Cochrane has partnered with JBI, Campbell Collaboration, the Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, the Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, the Institute for Development Studies and the Applied Health and Research Unit (AHRU) at the University of Oxford to launch the 2024 campaign for World Evidence-Based Healthcare (EBHC) Day, called ‘Health and Beyond: From Evidence to Action’.

By facilitating dialogue and knowledge-sharing across sectors, World EBHC Day 2024 serves as a global platform to share and access collective knowledge and wisdom for health and beyond, moving from evidence to action, while highlighting that intersectoral collaboration and innovation is pivotal to transformative change.

Cochrane’s Editor-in-Chief, Karla Soares-Wesier, spoke with the campaign partners at the Global Evidence Summit, where she said that:

“Cochrane has long led the way in evidence synthesis, but we recognize we can’t do it alone. Collaboration is essential, and working closely with our partners is key. There is a growing movement to create more opportunities for joint efforts in producing evidence that supports decision-making and ultimately saves lives. To achieve this, we need to be present at the table and ensure our partners—whether from high-income or low- and middle-income settings—are there with us.”

This was at part of the Connected Conversations series, which is a new initiative that aims to provide the global evidence community with a glimpse of people's professional and personal journeys using evidence-based approaches to take action for health and beyond. Cochrane received contributions from Dr Celeste Naude the Director Cochrane Nutrition, Dr Carlotte Kiekens the Co-Director Cochrane Rehabilitation, Dr Ali Akbar Haghdoost the Ex-Director Cochrane Iran, Dr Vignesh Kumar Chandiraseharan from Cochrane India, and Jack Nunn from the Cochrane Consumer Network.

Cochrane World EBHC Day events

Cochrane Croatia hosted a in-person symposium titled Modern Views on Mental Health: Incorporating Evidence-Based Medicine for Effective Health Care. Held at the Faculty of Medicine in Split, it included discussions on better evidence for mental health, supporting mental health in the community, and the use of chatbots in psychiatry, among a wide variety of other topics.

Cochrane Y3 mentees from the Cochrane US Network hosted a free webinar titled 'Beyond a Publication: How Evidence-Based Healthcare Changes Communities.'

Cochrane World EBHC Day blogs

• Including people with lived experience in evidence-informed approaches
• Global health requires embracing planetary health from an early age
• The importance of knowledge translation (and trust) in polycrisis times
• Maternal mortality in Ecuador: more than just a health care problem
• Intersectoral action: Including local economic considerations in health guidelines
• How Cochrane Germany is Advocating for Clinical Trial Transparency through Collaboration

Cochrane World EBHC Day vlogs

World Evidence-Based Healthcare Day 2024 is an opportunity to engage with a global community dedicated to advancing evidence-informed health policies and practices. We invite you to join the conversation, share your insights, and take action for health and beyond.

If you have Cochrane-related events to add to our listing above, please contact Mia Parkinson.

For more information about World EBHC Day 2024 and how you can participate, please contact Mariam Salman or visit the official campaign website: https://worldebhcday.org/

The Cochrane Collaboration is proud to announce our new scientific strategy, focusing on tackling the most pressing global health issues driving inequity. 

Over the past 30 years, we have published over 9,000 systematic reviews and developed a reputation as one of the most trusted sources of health evidence. Our reviews set standards and improve lives, from offering premature babies the best start in life to preventing falls among older people. We now want to go further to address the devastating health inequalities that still persist worldwide. 

The new scientific strategy will contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to bring about a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future by 2030. We will collaborate with partners both within and beyond the Cochrane community to tackle inequity across the world, building a healthier future for everyone and helping to achieve the SDGs.

Our strategy focuses on four key research priorities to address the most pressing health challenges, underpinned by a foundation of four commitments. Our research priorities are:

• Maternal, newborn and child health: we will improve the health and wellbeing of mothers and children worldwide and tackle the vast health equity gap between different populations. 

• Multiple chronic conditions: we will improve the lives of people living with multiple chronic conditions, identifying effective approaches to provide person-centred care and prevent further illness. 

• Infectious diseases: we will equip people across the world with the evidence they need to protect themselves against both existing and emerging threats. 

• Climate change and sustainability: We will improve our understanding of the complex relationships between climate change and human health, helping people to better cope with the health impacts of climate change. 

Our commitments are: 

• Innovate in methods: we will build on our world-leading expertise developing innovative research methods, including harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI). 

• Promote health equity: we will be guided in everything we do by our desire to promote health equity, shaping the questions we address and how we share our findings. 

• Collaborate and involve: we will collaborate with global partners, national agencies and local healthcare consumers to drive transformative change. 

• Champion research integrity: we will maintain and strengthen our leadership in research integrity so that we continue to produce evidence that everyone can trust. 
  
  

“In an era marked by unprecedented global health challenges, the need for reliable, high-quality health evidence has never been more critical,” writes Dr Karla Soares-Weiser, Cochrane’s Editor in Chief. “From the rise of infectious diseases such as polio and malaria due to war and poverty to the profound health impacts of climate change, our world faces a myriad of crises that demand informed, evidence-based responses. Yet, despite significant advancements in health research, a gap remains in making trusted health evidence accessible and useable for those on the frontlines — especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited resources. 

“Global health inequalities continue to mean that millions suffer and die from preventable health risks daily. Without dependable evidence, healthcare professionals, patients, and policy makers struggle to make informed decisions that could alleviate these hardships and save lives. At Cochrane, we understand this urgency and the indispensable role of robust evidence in bridging health disparities across the globe. 

“Our scientific strategy for 2025-2030 is a bold response to this challenge. By streamlining our processes and focusing on the most pressing global health issues, we aim to bridge the current evidence gap. Our priorities reflect today’s realities, centring on maternal, newborn, and child health; multiple chronic conditions; infectious diseases and pandemics; and the health effects of climate change. These focus areas are not only a response to the current health landscape but also a proactive approach to shaping a future where health decisions are consistently informed by the best possible evidence. 

“Cochrane has dedicated over three decades to improving global health and life expectancy through trusted evidence. We have systematically reviewed and analysed health research, using innovative statistical methods to ensure findings that are both robust and reliable. We are now keen to collaborate with partners and attract funders to join us on this vital mission. Together, we can harness the power of evidence to overcome today’s most urgent health challenges and build a healthier, more equitable world for all.” 

• View Cochrane's scientific strategy page

Title: Editorial Assistant 
Specifications: Full Time Permanent Contract
Salary: £26,000 per annum
Location: Flexible (remote)
Application Closing Date: 22 October 2024 (midnight GMT)

Cochrane has established a Central Editorial Service to support the efficient and timely publication of high-quality systematic reviews in the Cochrane Library. The reviews that are published through the Central Editorial Service address some of the research questions considered to be the most important to decision makers. 

The Editorial Assistant will perform editorial tasks to support the smooth running of the Editorial Service. Tasks will include, but are not limited to: performing checks on manuscripts on submission and before publication; supporting the peer-review process including inviting peer reviewers and tracking progress; assisting authors and peer reviewers to use Cochrane’s Editorial Management System; running editorial reports for the Editorial Service Executive Editor; arranging and preparing documents for editorial meetings; and supporting the Head of Editorial in projects aimed at improving or developing editorial systems and processes.

Cochrane is a global independent network of health practitioners, researchers, patient advocates and others, responding to the challenge of making the vast amounts of evidence generated through research useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by identifying, appraising and synthesizing individual research findings to produce the best available evidence on what can work, what might harm and where more research is needed.

How to apply

• For further information on the role and how to apply, please click here.
• The deadline to receive your application is 22 October 2024 (midnight GMT).
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples.
• Note that we will assess applications as they are received, and therefore may fill the post before the deadline.
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement

Cochrane’s systematic reviews are playing a key role in informing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for managing preterm infants, including respiratory interventions. These reviews, led by Cochrane Sweden and Cochrane Neonatal, are providing the evidence that is directly shaping recommendations on treatments like caffeine therapy to support lung function in preterm babies. 

Preterm birth remains one of the leading causes of infant mortality worldwide. In response, the WHO regularly updates its guidelines to enhance care and improve outcomes for these vulnerable infants. By basing its recommendations on the latest and most reliable data from Cochrane reviews, the WHO ensures that its guidance remains both relevant and evidence based. 

“Our guideline development process is very rigorous and evidence-based,” says Marge Reinap Technical Officer, Evidence-based Policy at the WHO. “All our questions and recommendations rely on evidence synthesis. Without evidence synthesis, the guideline development panel cannot issue a recommendation. The evidence synthesis developed by Cochrane is instrumental and serves as the pillar point of WHO’s normative guidance, facilitating discussions and forming recommendations.”  

The collaboration began when the WHO commissioned Cochrane Sweden and Cochrane Neonatal to conduct systematic reviews on interventions for preterm infants. These reviews, led by Matteo Bruschettini, Director of Cochrane Sweden, explored the evidence around caffeine to improve health outcomes for preterm infants. Studies have shown that caffeine therapy improves lung function and reduces both mortality and long-term disabilities in preterm infants. 

The impact of these Cochrane reviews on WHO guidelines was immediate. The evidence gathered was directly incorporated into the WHO’s updated recommendations on the care of preterm infants, giving healthcare providers around the world clear, evidence-based guidance to improve the survival and health outcomes of these infants. 

Beyond influencing global policy, Cochrane Sweden is now working on adapting the WHO guidelines for the Swedish healthcare system. This framework, known as ‘GRADE ADOLOPMENT’, involves modifying guidelines made by others to fit specific national contexts. GRADE refers to the ‘Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation’ approach, while ‘ADOLOPMENT’ means adopting, adapting, and/or developing new recommendations. 

“Combining the strengths of the Cochrane network, evidence and methodologies with the GRADE ADOLOPMENT framework is very helpful for making recommendations applicable to the Swedish setting,” says Matteo Bruschettini. “It’s an efficient way to make tailored recommendations based on solid foundations, without duplicating efforts.” 

Cochrane Sweden, in collaboration with the WHO and members from the GRADE Working Group are working towards that the adapted guideline are tailored to the Swedish needs and healthcare environment while maintaining the same high standard of evidence-based recommendations. 

While WHO’s guidelines provide a comprehensive framework, countries often need to adjust them to align with their healthcare systems. In Sweden, Cochrane’s work focuses on ensuring that the guidelines not only address local concerns but also meet the practical needs of healthcare providers. This demonstrates how robust global evidence can be translated into actionable, country-specific recommendations. 

“We’re in the process of making guidelines made by others more used in the Swedish setting,” says Martin Ringsten, Project Coordinator at Cochrane Sweden. “It would save a lot of time and resources to use the evidence included in guidelines made by others. Guideline developers can then adopt or adapt recommendations and add contextual evidence where it’s needed.”  

Cochrane Sweden’s involvement in the development and adaptation of these guidelines and included systematic reviews highlights how systematic reviews inform clinical guidelines and public health policy. This collaboration ensures that healthcare recommendations are based on the best available evidence and contextualized to the applicable settings, thereby enhancing the quality and relevance of healthcare practices at both global and national levels. 

The process of using and contextualizing guidelines for specific settings illustrates how Cochrane reviews integrated into these guidelines can directly impact healthcare practice and policy, both globally and nationally. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently launched new guidance on best practices for clinical trials. The document aims to reinforce global standards in the organization, design, conduct, analysis and reporting of clinical trials. It responds to calls in World Health Assembly resolution 75.8, which emphasized the urgent need to enhance both global and national clinical trial ecosystems to generate high-quality evidence on health interventions. 

Cochrane’s Editor in Chief, Dr Karla Soares-Weiser, contributed to the technical advisory group established to support the resolution and this guidance. 

The WHO guidance offers practical recommendations to assist national health authorities, regulatory authorities, funders and others in facilitating effective clinical trials and research. Key recommendations centre on improving trial design to ensure the relevance of research; an emphasis on scientific and ethical standards; strengthening of capacity and support for sustainable research infrastructure; enhancing clinical trial transparency; and reforms to enable underrepresented groups to participate in clinical trials. 

Eva Madrid, the Lead of Cochrane’s new Iberoamérica Evidence Synthesis Unit, spoke on the panel of the launch event for the new guidance. She highlighted the need for greater engagement between those conducting clinical trials and the evidence synthesis community. Eva stated: 

“Disregarding existing evidence leads to redundant findings and fails to prioritize the gaps that we need to fill, missing the opportunity to resolve clinical uncertainties with clinical trials." 

In his opening  statement, Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO Chief Scientist, said: “Clinical trials are the bedrock of clinical and public health policymaking and evidence informed policymaking” and urged that they should not only be set up in times of crisis and are used for “answering critically important and clinical and public health questions all of the time.” 

If you would like to find out more about Cochrane’s work on clinical trials, please get in touch with the Advocacy and Partnerships Team: msalman@cochrane.org

Cochrane is excited to announce The People’s Review, a project designed to empower individuals worldwide to take part in a systematic review. The People’s Review invites the public to learn about systematic reviews by directly participating in the process. The People's Review is brought to you by Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland.

The People’s Review will be hosted on the Cochrane Crowd platform, which already supports various citizen science tasks related to systematic reviews. It will help guide participants through eight interactive stages— from choosing the review question to sharing the final results.

What Makes The People’s Review Special?

In an age of overwhelming information and online health advice, it’s crucial to have tools that allow individuals to navigate complex medical data. Systematic reviews offer a structured and reliable way to assess healthcare treatments. By involving the public in conducting one, The People’s Review seeks to demystify the process and equip participants with essential critical thinking skills for health decision-making.

 Éle Quinn, is a PhD student at University of Galway and is working alongside Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland on this project. Éle is the lead behind The People’s Review and shares her enthusiasm for the project and its potential impact:

"The People’s Review opens up the world of systematic reviews to the public, giving people the opportunity to directly participate in and learn about evidence-based healthcare. We believe that everyone has the right to be involved in research, and this project brings that vision to life!"

The Cochrane Crowd platform hosts tasks that help identify and describe health research for systematic reviews. Many within the Crowd community have fed back that the experience helps build skills around understanding health evidence. Each task is always supported by brief (and fun!) interactive training, and any contribution is welcome. Anna Noel-Storr, Cochrane Crowd Lead adds:

"We’re thrilled to be part of this exciting initiative. Cochrane Crowd has always been about engaging the public in evidence production, and The People’s Review is the next step in empowering individuals to contribute to systematic reviews directly."

Maureen Smith, a long-time advocate for public involvement in health research, Chair of the Cochrane Consumer Network Executive, and member of ‘Team People’s Review’ highlights the importance of this project:

"The People’s Review involves people in producing evidence, and by doing so it helps to build knowledge about evidence that people need to make informed health choices."

Get Involved and Stay Updated

Everyone, regardless of background or experience, is welcome to join The People’s Review. Whether you have a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can participate from anywhere in the world. This project is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all.

Be part of this unique opportunity to engage with health research! The project will go through 8 different stages. To stay informed about opportunities to get involved, sign up for the newsletter and be the first to know about each new step in The People’s Review.

• Sign up now and express your interest in participating in The People’s Review
• Follow The People's Review on social media 
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The People’s Review is funded by the Health Research Board (Ireland) (ESI-2021-001) and the HSC Research and Development Division of the Public Health Agency (Northern Ireland) through Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland. Éle Quinn’s PhD studentship was funded by the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway, Ireland through Evidence Synthesis Ireland.

An updated Cochrane review has found that the dental health benefits of adding fluoride to drinking water may be smaller now than before fluoride toothpaste was widely available. 

The team of researchers from the Universities of Manchester, Dundee and Aberdeen reviewed the evidence from 157 studies which compared communities that had fluoride added to their water supplies with communities that had no additional fluoride in their water. They found that the benefit of fluoridation has declined since the 1970s, when fluoride toothpaste became more widely available. 

The contemporary studies were conducted in high-income countries. The impact of community water fluoridation in low- and middle-income countries is less clear, due to the absence of recent research.  

Fluoride, used in many commercially available toothpastes and varnishes, is known to reduce tooth decay. Governments in many countries have added fluoride to the drinking water supply to improve population oral health, although there are polarized views on whether this is the right action to take.  

“When interpreting the evidence, it is important to think about the wider context and how society and health have changed over time,” says co-author Anne-Marie Glenny, Professor of Health Sciences Research at the University of Manchester. “Most of the studies on water fluoridation are over 50 years old, before the availability of fluoride toothpaste. Contemporary studies give us a more relevant picture of what the benefits are now.”  

Results from studies conducted after 1975 suggest that the initiation of water fluoridation schemes may lead to slightly less tooth decay in children’s baby teeth. Analysis of these studies, covering a total of 2,908 children in the UK and Australia, estimates that fluoridation may lead to an average of 0.24 fewer decayed baby teeth per child. However, the estimate of effect comes with uncertainty, meaning it’s possible that the more recent schemes have no benefit. By comparison, an analysis of studies with 5,708 children conducted in 1975 or earlier estimated that fluoridation reduced the number of decayed baby teeth, on average by 2.1 per child.  

The same contemporary studies (conducted after 1975) also looked at the number of children with no decay in their baby teeth. The analysis found that fluoridation may increase the number of children with no tooth decay by 3 percentage points, again with the possibility of no benefit. 

The review was only able to draw conclusions about the impact on children’s teeth, with similar findings across both baby and permanent teeth. There were no studies with adults that met the review’s criteria.  

“The evidence suggests that water fluoridation may slightly reduce tooth decay in children,” says co-author Dr Lucy O’Malley, Senior Lecturer in Health Services Research at the University of Manchester. “Given that the benefit has reduced over time, before introducing a new fluoridation scheme, careful thought needs to be given to costs, acceptability, feasibility and ongoing monitoring.” 

Advocates have suggested that one of the key benefits of water fluoridation is that it reduces oral health inequalities. This updated review sought to examine this question and did not find enough evidence to support this claim, although this doesn’t necessarily mean there is no effect. 

The review’s findings accord with recent observational studies including the LOTUS study, which compared anonymised dental health records with water fluoridation status for 6.4 million adults and adolescents in England between 2010 and 2020. People in fluoridated areas needed slightly fewer invasive dental treatments with no significant impact on inequalities. 

“Contemporary evidence using different research methodologies suggest that the benefits of fluoridating water have declined in recent decades,” says Tanya Walsh, Professor of Healthcare Evaluation at the University of Manchester, co-author on both the Cochrane review and the LOTUS study. “Oral health inequalities are an urgent public health issue that demands action. Water fluoridation is only one option and not necessarily the most appropriate for all populations.” 

“Whilst water fluoridation can lead to small improvements in oral health, it does not address the underlying issues such as high sugar consumption and inadequate oral health behaviours,” says co-author Janet Clarkson, Professor of Clinical Effectiveness, University of Dundee. “It is likely that any oral health preventive programme needs to take a multi-faceted, multi-agency approach.” 

• Read the Cochrane review and plain language summary 
• Read the new item in Malay

Iheozor-Ejiofor Z, Walsh T, Lewis SR, Riley P, Boyers D, Clarkson JE, Worthington HV, Glenny A-M, O'Malley L. Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews TBD, Issue TBD. Art. No.: CD010856. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010856.pub3.

At the United Nations Summit of the Future, two major funding bodies announced £54.2 million of new funding for evidence synthesis: £45 million from Wellcome and £9.2 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

The announcements represent significant investment in evidence synthesis to help tackle global inequity and address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Cochrane was represented at the summit by our Editor in Chief, Dr Karla Soares-Weiser.

“It is invigorating to see major global funders recognizing the importance of evidence synthesis in addressing the challenges facing the world today and in the future,” says Karla. “This significant investment has the potential to catalyze a step change in evidence synthesis, making it more timely, relevant and equitable. Cochrane has a proud history of advancing evidence synthesis, and we stand ready to support this vital global effort. I am especially excited at the potential to reduce global inequities in both producing and accessing high-quality evidence.”

Both funding calls are aimed at building infrastructure to support rapid evidence synthesis projects so that policymakers have access to the latest evidence on a given topic. The Wellcome announcement focuses on ‘living evidence synthesis’, where systematic reviews are continually updated so they always reflect the latest evidence. Wellcome’s announcement notes that ‘the Cochrane Collaboration, which produces gold-standard evidence syntheses in medicine, increasingly backs living evidence models’.

Cochrane is a pioneer of living systematic reviews, having published the world’s first living systematic reviews in 2017. Lessons from the pilot project were published in 2019, in a project co-led by Professor Tari Turner at Cochrane Australia, who serves on Cochrane’s Editorial Board and is Academic Director of the Australian Living Evidence Collaboration.

“It’s fantastic to see this global commitment to living evidence and recognition of Cochrane's leadership in this area,” says Tari. “The new funding is fantastic news for both evidence synthesis professionals and decision-makers who need up-to-date evidence. Living reviews come with many opportunities and challenges which we identified in our pilot programmes, and it’s great to see them getting the attention they deserve.”

As the pace of new research accelerates, keeping systematic reviews up-to-date with the latest evidence has become increasingly vital. Cochrane is at the forefront of this evolution with our leadership in living systematic reviews (LSRs)—a dynamic approach that ensures evidence remains current and relevant.

What's a systematic review?
A systematic review attempts to identify, appraise, and synthesize all the empirical evidence that meets pre-specified eligibility criteria to answer a specific research question. Researchers conducting systematic reviews use explicit, systematic methods that are selected with a view aimed at minimizing bias, to produce more reliable findings to inform decision making. 

For those new to the concept, here's a short video from Cochrane Consumers and Communication that explains what a systematic review is, how researchers prepare them, and why they’re a crucial part of making informed health decisions  - both for professionals and the public.

What is living evidence?
Living evidence refers to a systematic review that is continually updated to incorporate new and relevant information as it becomes available. Unlike traditional systematic reviews, which may be updated infrequently or not at all, living systematic reviews (LSRs) are underpinned by ongoing, active monitoring of the evidence base.

Key Features of LSRs:

• Continual Monitoring: LSRs involve regular, often monthly, searches for new evidence.
• Immediate Updates: New important evidence, including data, studies, or information, is promptly included.
• Up-to-Date Communication: The status of the review and any new evidence are communicated clearly and regularly.

While LSRs employ the same core review methods as other Cochrane Reviews, they also incorporate predefined and transparent decisions on how frequently new evidence is sought, how it is integrated, and the rationale behind these decisions. Cochrane continues to innovate by providing updated information on the status of our reviews and each updated review is assigned a new citation and DOI, linking it to previous versions and ensuring the most current evidence is available.

Watch all the videos from this series

Why living systematic reviews?

LSRs represent a significant advancement in evidence synthesis, connecting evidence and practice more seamlessly than traditional methods. They are hugely valuable to healthcare professionals, decision-makers, guideline developers,  policy-makers, funders, consumers (patients and carers), and publishers who require up-to-date evidence for informed decision-making.

Technological advancements, such as online platforms, linked data, and machine learning, have made large-scale living evidence approaches feasible. The growth of collaborative research, open data initiatives, and citizen science also supports the maintenance of high-value datasets and LSRs - areas that Cochrane is also leading.

Cochrane’s role and innovations

Since launching the world's first pilot living reviews in 2017, Cochrane has been a trailblazer in this field. Professor Tari Turner, member of the Cochrane Library Editorial Board and Director of the Australian Living Evidence Collaboration based at  Cochrane Australia, has been instrumental in developing and applying living evidence approaches. According to Tari:

"Living evidence synthesis is transforming how we navigate uncertainty and make evidence accessible. By continually updating our living reviews, Cochrane is ensuring that decision-makers have the most current information at their fingertips."

Living systematic reviews are a testament to Cochrane's commitment to producing evidence that is not only trustworthy but also continuously relevant. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to leading in this space and advancing the field of evidence synthesis.

• Learn more about Cochrane's living systematic reviews
• What is the difference between a Cochrane systematic review of interventions and a Cochrane diagnostic test accuracy review?
• Learn more about Cochrane and our work

Title: Managing Editor
Specifications: 12 months Fixed Term – Contract
Salary: £42,000 per annum
Location: UK, Germany or Denmark – Remote/Flexible
Closing date: 30 September 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 five directorates: Evidence Production and Methods, Publishing and Technology, Development, and Finance and Corporate Services.

Reporting to the Senior Managing Editor and working with members of the Editorial Production and Methods Directorate, the role holder will need to have good awareness of Cochrane guidance for different types of standard and complex systematic reviews (intervention, qualitative, diagnostic test accuracy, prognosis, rapid and overview), plan how they will need to be handled in their team, and work to ensure that deadlines are met. The role holder will also be required to ensure that pilots aimed at innovating the editorial process can be supported as needed.

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.

How to apply

• For further information on the role and how to apply, please click here.
• The deadline to receive your application is 30 September 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

Cochrane is excited to announce that its flagship event, the Cochrane Colloquium, will be hosted in India in October 2026. Building on the momentum of previous successful gatherings, including the Cochrane London Colloquium and the Global Evidence Summit in Prague, this eagerly awaited event will unite the global healthcare evidence synthesis community to foster collaboration, share insights, and drive lasting impact.

The Cochrane Colloquium is an annual international conference that brings together a diverse range of participants, including researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, patients, and carers. It provides a unique platform for those passionate about evidence synthesis and evidence-based healthcare to share knowledge, engage in practical workshops, and explore innovative approaches. The event is also a vibrant space for networking, making it a crucial part of the global effort to improve health outcomes through reliable, high-quality evidence.

The 2026 Colloquium will focus on themes that resonate across healthcare and policy sectors: Bridging Gaps, Global Evidence, Local Impact, and Equitable Action. These themes will drive discussions on the importance of evidence in addressing health disparities and achieving equitable healthcare solutions around the world.

Catherine Spencer, CEO of Cochrane, shared her enthusiasm: “The 2026 Cochrane Colloquium will be pivotal for anyone involved in evidence-based healthcare. These themes are crucial for advancing evidence production, implementation, and policy, and we are excited to develop a programme that addresses these vital areas.”

The Cochrane India Network were at the recent Global Evidence Summit. At their stand they engaged with attendees and provided information about the 2026 Cochrane Colloquium, receiving an enthusiastic response. During the closing plenary, they showcased a video and extended a heartfelt invitation to join them in India for the upcoming Colloquium.

Dr Neeta Mohanty from Cochrane India expressed excitement about hosting the Colloquium."It is an honour to invite you all to India for the 2026 Colloquium. Attending previous Colloquia has been a highlight for our team and we are looking forward to welcoming you and being your warm hosts."

We are excited to put together an engaging programme and to bring the community together. Stay tuned for more updates and sign up for the 2026 Colloquium newsletter to keep in touch and be among the first to receive news and announcements.

• Visit the Cochrane India Network website
• Sign up for the 2026 Colloquium newsletter