A review published in 2015 found a reduction of atrial fibrillation in people undergoing heart surgery if they were given statins before surgery. However, the review was withdrawn in 2016 when questions were raised about some of the included studies. To accompany the publication of the updated review, a Cochrane Library editorial, titled Preoperative statins in cardiac surgery: a tale of small study bias or ‘the truth, and nothing but the truth’, takes a closer look at how the authors handled study registration.

Statins, initially hailed for their potential to reduce cardiovascular risks, have been a topic of debate in the context of cardiac surgery. A recently updated Cochrane review, led by Marques Antunes and colleagues, scrutinised randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared statin therapy with placebo in the perioperative period of elective cardiac surgery. The review included eight RCTs involving 5,592 participants, following stringent criteria to exclude studies that did not have proof of ethics approval or did not have a pre-registered protocol.

The findings indicate that statin use in the perioperative period offers little to no difference in outcomes such as atrial fibrillation, postoperative short-term mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure, and length of hospital stay. This comprehensive analysis challenges earlier suggestions of significant benefits from smaller, less robust studies.

Rui Providencia’s editorial underscores the critical role of methodological rigor in clinical research and the ongoing challenges posed by small study effects and potentially problematic clinical trials. Cochrane's efforts to exclude unreliable studies and focus on high-quality RCTs are highlighted as essential steps toward reliable evidence synthesis.

"The potential role of statins in patients undergoing cardiac surgery has been a matter of debate over recent years. In this editorial, we go through the important aspects raised by the authors of the recent Cochrane systematic review focusing on the topic."

- Rui Providencia 

The editorial and systematic review collectively underscore the need for cautious interpretation of past findings and the importance of ongoing research to establish clear clinical guidelines.

Read the Cochrane Library editorial:

Providencia R. Preoperative statins in cardiac surgery: a tale of small study bias or ‘the truth, and nothing but the truth’. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2024, Issue 1. Art. No.: ED000167. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.ED000167.

Specifications: Permanent – Full time
Salary: £43,000 per annum
Location: Remote working (UK office located in Central London)
Closing date:  12 June 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 play a pivotal role in providing high-level administrative, organizational, and logistical support to the Editor-in-Chief (EiC) and the senior Evidence Production & Methods (EPMD) team. This role is crucial in ensuring the efficient operation of EPMD projects and activities, as well as providing support to Cochrane’s Editorial Board. By managing the day-to-day administrative tasks and streamlining processes, you will enable the EiC and senior team to focus on strategic initiatives and critical 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 10 June, 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's strength lies in its collaborative, global community. Cochrane Geographic Groups represent Cochrane in their host country, advocate for the use of Cochrane evidence in health policy and practice, and support Cochrane's members and supporters who live there. Here we spotlight the impact of Cochrane Japan, who are dedicated to enhancing Japanese healthcare through evidence-based decision-making.

Since 2012 various Cochrane activities happened in Japan but it wasn't until 2014 that a branch in Tokyo was established with an official Cochrane Japan being established in 2017. Today with over 200 members, Cochrane Japan is committed to producing accurate, up-to-date Cochrane reviews and providing support and training to new authors.

Japan holds over four training workshops annually for new authors of Cochrane systematic reviews,  healthcare professionals, and researchers, covering interventions and diagnostic accuracy tests.  "Cochrane Japan workshops bring globally recognized methodology expertise to an accessible platform for future Cochrane authors. These sessions are crucial for fostering evidence-based practice in Japan," says Norio Watanabe, Director of Cochrane Japan. Cochrane Japan collaborates with Cochrane geographic groups in East Asia through the East Asia Cochrane Alliance (EACA), hosting meetings and training workshops. These collaborations enhance the impact of their work by fostering regional cooperation and knowledge sharing.

The group's translation efforts significantly impact healthcare practices and policies in Japan, ensuring that medical professionals and the general population have access to high-quality, evidence-based information.  Cochrane Japan translates and publishes more than 200 plain language summaries of Cochrane reviews in Japanese each year.  There are more than 2900 translations of Cochrane evidence freely available for anyone to search and read. "Distributing plain language summaries in Japanese helps bridge the gap between complex research and everyday healthcare decisions. It's important that people have the latest health evidence in the language they can most easily understand," says Watanabe.

Looking ahead, Cochrane Japan plans to offer free access to RevMan Web for all its members, encouraging more systematic reviews under Cochrane methodology. The group also seeks enthusiastic volunteers for translating plain language summaries and prospective authors for Cochrane reviews. "We welcome anyone in Japan who is passionate about evidence-based healthcare to join us in our mission," Watanabe adds.

• Visit the Cochrane Japan website
• Follow Cochrane Japan on X
  
• Follow Cochrane Japan on Facebook
• Search and view Cochrane evidence in Japanese 
• Find a Cochrane Geographic Group in your country

Cochrane's strength is in its collaborative, global community. Cochrane Geographic Groups represent Cochrane in their host country, advocate for the use of Cochrane evidence in health policy and practice, and support Cochrane's members and supporters who live there.  Here we focus on the impact of an affiliate centre of the  Cochrane US Network, at Tufts University in Massachusetts, USA.

The US Network promotes evidence-based decision-making in healthcare and public health across the country. It raises awareness of Cochrane and its evidence, supports the production of high-quality systematic reviews, and disseminates these reviews strategically. The network also promotes the use of Cochrane evidence among patients, caregivers, clinicians, health systems, guideline developers, and policymakers.

Comprising some of the nation’s leading institutions in evidence-based medicine and public health, the US Network includes 15 affiliate institutions. Each affiliate institution has its own function and specific areas of expertise and focus. The Tufts University School of Medicine is a leader in public health, nutrition, maternal health, and health equity programs. In 2021 they joined Cochrane Us as an affiliate centre to help build capacity and a critical mass of Cochrane-trained systematic reviews in the United States.   

"Every healthcare and public health decision should be based on the best available evidence. At Tufts University School of Medicine, we are proud to train future clinicians, researchers, and policymakers in Cochrane methods and increase their awareness of Cochrane systematic reviews," says Dr Shayesteh Jahanfar, Director of Tufts University, Affiliate of Cochrane US
Associate Professor, Public Health and Community Medicine.

Founded in May 2021, Cochrane US at Tufts strategic plan includes awareness campaigns, systematic review training, and collaboration with institutions such as the World Health Organization, Indiana University, and Ohio State University. 

The Tufts team frequently hosts author training seminars both domestically and internationally. The Tufts Systematic Review Course, accredited by CEPH, provides medical professionals and postgraduate students with essential training in performing high-quality systematic reviews. Recent training sessions include Cochrane Author training for nutritionists at Rutgers University and training at the International Conference of Twinning. The Tufts team is also active in the Cochrane US Mentorship Program, helping early career professionals and students enhance their skills in evidence-based healthcare.

Collaborations with other Cochrane groups and external organizations amplify the impact of Cochrane US at Tufts. They have worked with the International Twin Register to offer cross-border training, supported Rutgers School of Nursing in submitting Cochrane protocols, and collaborated with Indiana University on systematic reviews and stakeholder training. Notable projects include a scoping review of surgical safety checklists for cesarean sections in collaboration with WHO. Key collaborative efforts include the Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies and the Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute. "Collaborating with others is key to expanding the reach and impact of our work," says Sowmyashree Hanumantha, Cochrane Fellow.

Looking ahead, Tufts is excited about several upcoming projects. By June 2024, they aim to support the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Network of Institutions for Evidence and Data to Policy (NEDtP). They are continuing systematic review training with Western University in Ontario, Canada, and have applied for a Mary Y. Lee CSL Faculty Mini-Grant for a project on building systematic review capacity among high school teachers. Other priorities include securing seed money from the Tisch College Community Research Center, exploring AI applications for juvenile health, and participating in the Cochrane Global Evidence Summit with submitted abstracts.

Cochrane US at Tufts welcomes collaboration and support from individuals and organizations passionate about improving healthcare. They seek funding opportunities to extend their impact and continue enhancing healthcare practices and policies through rigorous research synthesis and evidence dissemination. "As we look to the future, our goal remains steadfast: to enhance healthcare through evidence-based decision-making and collaboration. We invite all those passionate about this mission to join us," concludes Michael Johannesmeyer, Cochrane Fellow. 

• Visit the Cochrane US Website
• Contact Cochrane US at Tufts: shayesteh.jahanfar@tufts.edu (Director),  sowmyashree.hanumantha_setty@tufts.edu (Cochrane Fellow), michael.johannesmeyer@tufts.edu (Cochrane Fellow). 
• Find a Cochrane Geographic Group in your country

Specifications: Permanent – Full time
Salary: £27,500 per annum
Location: Remote/London (one day per week in London office)
Closing date:  31 May 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.

Cochrane is looking for a Communications and Events Assistant to support the team with a focus on media monitoring, social media and events.  This is a new role within the Communications team and will support colleagues across the team. This is a broad, entry-level role suitable for someone with an interest in science communication and events. The role will involve creating and posting content for internal and external communications, overseeing media monitoring and providing support for our flagship events.

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 31 May 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: Senior Managing Editor
Specifications: Permanent Fulltime
Salary: £52,000 per annum
Location: UK – Remote/Flexible
Closing date: 28 May 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.

Reporting to the Executive 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 28 May 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

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Susan Phillips as the new Chair of Cochrane. Susan is Adjunct Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine at Bond University, Queensland, Australia. She has held leadership positions in the field of evidence-based medicine since 2001 when she joined the Australian federal government’s newly established National Institute of Clinical Studies (NICS).

Susan is renowned for her achievements in translating research evidence into clinical practice. Her wealth of experience, gained from senior management roles at NICS where she became Interim Executive Director after the institute’s merger with Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council, and later Chief Executive Officer at Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd, are testament to this. Her contribution to research translation was recognised with an Australia Day Medallion in 2008.

Susan’s extensive Board experience encompasses roles in organisations ranging from the Guidelines-International-Network (G-I-N), where she served as an elected Trustee for three terms, including two years as Vice-Chair, to Therapeutic Guidelines, and Therapeutic Guidelines Foundation. Susan has also served as Chair of other charities and not for profit organisations, including Climate for Change. She has been a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) since 2015.

In accepting this appointment, Dr Susan Phillips said: “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair, especially during such a critical time for Cochrane when the need for trusted evidence to guide decisions about best treatments is greater than ever.”

Commenting on the appointment, Dr Tamara Kredo, Chair of the Governance and Nominations Committee, said “I am delighted that Dr Susan Phillips has been appointed Chair of Cochrane's Governing Board. Sue brings a wealth of experience and leadership qualities at an exciting time as we implement our new organizational strategy. I am sure you will all join me in expressing sincere thanks to Jordi Pardo Pardo who has served as Interim Chair of the Governing Board since September 2023. His commitment, hard work and enthusiasm have served the organisation well”.

Jordi will remain on the Governing Board until his term comes to an end later on this year.

Susan will take up the position as Chair in July 2024.

Title: Legal Officer/Junior Legal Counsel
Specifications: Permanent – Part time (30 hours a week)
Salary: £38,000 per annum
Location: UK (Remote with occasional travel to the London office)
Closing date:  17 May 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.

This role will sit within the Legal Team in Cochrane’s Finance & Corporate Services Directorate, which also includes the Finance and HR teams.

The Legal Officer/ Junior Legal Counsel will be required to support the Legal Counsel in providing legal advice to colleagues across the organisation, to enable Cochrane to manage risk and meet its legal and regulatory obligations. In addition to experience in contract law, the successful candidate will have excellent communication and organisational skills, a self-motivated and proactive approach to their work, and an enthusiasm for developing their knowledge and skills.

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

• Further information on the role and how to apply
• The deadline to receive your application is 17 May, 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: Legal Counsel
Specifications: Permanent – Full time or part-time (4-5 days per week)
Salary: £59,000 per annum
Location: Remote working (UK office located in Central London)
Closing date:  17 May 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.

The Legal Counsel will be required to provide legal advice to colleagues across the organisation, to enable Cochrane to manage risk and meet its legal and regulatory obligations. The successful candidate will have excellent communication and organisational skills, a pragmatic approach, and the ability to prioritise and manage an unpredictable workload whilst paying close attention to detail.

The role will include line managing the Junior Legal Counsel, a role which we are also currently recruiting for.

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

• Further information on the role and how to apply
• The deadline to receive your application is 17 May, 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