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

Specifications: Permanent – Part time (30 hours a week)
Salary: £38,000 per annum full time equivalent
Location: UK (Remote with occasional travel to the London office)
Closing date:  9 Sep 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 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

• For further information on the role and how to apply
• The deadline to receive your application is 9 Sep 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, JBI, Guidelines International Network (GIN), and The Campbell Collaboration are hosting the second Global Evidence Summit (GES) in the historic city of Prague from 10 to 13 September 2024. The summit serves as a platform for professionals from diverse sectors, including health, education, social justice, environment, and climate change, to engage in crucial discussions aimed at informing policy and practice through evidence. The countdown has begun, but there is still time to register.

To ensure you make the most out of the GES, we've gathered a selection of insights and suggestions from members of the Cochrane community. These tips will guide you through multiple days of intense engagement, helping you maintain your well-being, enthusiasm, and collaborative spirit throughout the event. Have other suggestions? Let us know by using the hashtag #GES2024 on social media.

1. Understand that the GES isn't just another Colloquium
The GES is a unique gathering that brings together professionals from various fields. It’s an opportunity to learn about the broader environment and how Cochrane's work fits into that. Take the opportunity of the GES to immerse yourself in this diverse event.

"Don't think of the GES as a "Colloquium+". It really is a different beast. Don't go expecting to do Cochrane business as you might at the colloquium and instead take the opportunity to learn more about the broader environment we operate in. Hopefully you'll be less "busy" but the experience will be even more intense."

- Gert van Valkenhoef, Denmark

"The topics at the GES go beyond health care, which makes it different than the Colloquia. The GES is a unique opportunity to share experiences with members and representatives of organisations with a similar mission to Cochrane's. Specifically, I remember a past GES workshop where there were trainers from Cochrane, Campbell, JBI, and GIN, which was really interesting and useful. The GES is a very diverse event!"

- Dario Sambunjak, Croatia

2. Get your elevator pitch ready! 
Prepare a short introduction ahead of time. This can be simple: two or three sentences about Cochrane and what we do, yourself, your role, what you are working on, and maybe what others can help you with if you have a goal in mind. 

"Having a clear and concise elevator pitch allows you to make the most of networking opportunities. It helps you introduce yourself with confidence and make a lasting impression. Your pitch is not just about introducing yourself but also about starting meaningful conversations that could lead to future collaborations."

- Ella Flemyng , UK

3. Download a business card app
Embrace the digital age by adopting a digital business card app. This eco-friendly option enables you to effortlessly exchange contact information, fostering future collaborations.

"When Cochrane attended the 76th World Health Assembly we used blinq.me digital business cards. It was free, easy to set up, and was the main form of business cards that people were using. I hope our Cochrane community embraces digital business cards as an environmentally conscious choice and helps sets themselves up for future collaborations."

- Catherine Spencer, Cochrane CEO, UK

4. Be curious about other organizations 
Beyond catching up with colleagues and friends, this event is an opportunity to engage with newcomers interested in our work and potential future collaborators. Embrace the chance to expand your network and foster meaningful connections that could shape exciting collaborations. Stay open to new encounters and the possibilities they bring!

"Because it's a 'mixed' event there's an opportunity to find out more about the work of the other organisations involved. Although many of us need to devote a lot of our time to supporting, managing or presenting on Cochrane work and initiatives, I'd recommend attending a few plenaries, parallel sessions, and workshops that focus on the work of partner organisations. It’s an informative and rewarding experience!"

- Ruth Foxlee, UK

"My best advice: meet and talk to as many people as you can. The GES in South Africa attracted delegates from all over the world, and it was refreshing to speak with people who weren't involved with Cochrane at all, but still had an interest in evidence synthesis."

- Emma Axon, UK

5. Make the most of your time with smart scheduling
The GES is packed with diverse sessions, presentations, and networking opportunities. To get the most out of your time, carefully review the full schedule ahead of the event.  Prioritize the sessions that align with your goals but also be sure to leave some flexibility in your day for conversations and unplanned connections that often lead to future collaborations and the most memorable experiences.

"It's a big event, and you won't be able to go to everything and talk to everyone you might want to. Be realistic! I recommend that you spend a good bit of time beforehand going through the schedule, but do also try to leave some gaps for unplanned chats with people."

- Anna Noel-Storr, UK 

6. Represent Cochrane
Cochrane's  print-on-demand store offers an exciting range of items, including tote bags, t-shirts, and mugs, which you can choose to purchase for use during the conference.  Please note that these items will not be available for purchase at the GES itself and must be acquired in advance. If you have some Cochrane items in your closet, this is a great time to bring them out and recognize and connect with others from the community that will be there. 

"Cochrane has prioritized sustainability and the environment. Rather than traditional conference swag bags of items you'll never use again, we've taken an eco-conscious route by introducing a print-on-demand store. This not only reduces unnecessary waste but also ensures that people only get things they truly value and intend to use. I love my Cochrane t-shirt and mug and am excited to spot people from Cochrane who are wearing items at the GES."

- Sabrina Khamissa, UK

7. Harness the power of social media
While we're meeting in-person, you can also embrace the digital buzz by actively using the event's hashtag: #GES2024. Through social media, you can connect with other attendees, follow up with presenters, and share your insights with your followers.

"You can get ready for  the GES by announcing to everyone that you will be there. It's also good idea to let people know about your poster or presentation and when they can catch you - start getting connections and interest before the event starts! Once you're at the GES, be sure to use the official #GES2024 hashtag and share your highlights."

- Muriah Umoquit, Canada

8. Make your well-being a priority!
Cochrane recognizes that conferences can be busy and overwhelming at times. We want Cochrane attendees to have the opportunity to prioritize their well-being, while also engaging in some fun and social activities at the GES. Some people take a break by connecting with others and some people need time to themselves - do what's best for you to 

"My advice is to treat the GES like a marathon, and not a sprint. Every day will be busy, filled with sessions to attend, and people to meet, and it’s important to make the most of this opportunity. But it’s also important to pace yourself and give yourself permission to schedule in proper breaks each day. Take time out for yourself and enjoy the Anne Anderson Walk, or even take some time to go back to your hotel room - especially if it means you are then able to return to the main sessions refreshed and recharged!

- Nuala Livingstone, Northern Ireland

9. Follow up
The connections you make at the GES can be invaluable, but they require nurturing. Setting aside time for follow-ups is crucial. It’s not just about exchanging contacts but about building relationships that can lead to meaningful collaborations down the road.

"I always block out half a day in my schedule on the first days back from the conferences to dedicate to follow-up emails. Even if it is to say that it was nice to meet them and to share a resource or webpage that they might be interested in, this is important for solidifying relationships."

- Emma Thompson, US

Have other suggestions and tips? Let us know by using the hashtag #GES2024 on social media.

As you embark on your GES journey, we hope that these valuable tips will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make the most of this enriching experience. We are looking forward to welcoming you to Prague! 

Find out more:

• View the full schedule
• Visit the GES website

Cochrane's strength lies in its collaborative, global community. Cochrane Geographic Groups represent Cochrane in their host countries, 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 Navarre Associate Centre, a key player within Cochrane Iberoamérica, dedicated to enhancing evidence-based healthcare in Spain.

Established in 2015 through a formal agreement between the Health Department of the Government of Navarre and Cochrane Iberoamerica, the Navarre Associate Centre has been a cornerstone in advancing evidence-based practices in the region. The Centre also serves as the host for the Spanish satellite of Cochrane Hypertension, launched following an invitation from the group's base in Canada.

Juan Erviti, Director of the Navarre Associate Centre, highlights the Centre's commitment to rigorous research and knowledge translation: "Our work is deeply rooted in the belief that healthcare decisions should be guided by the best available evidence. By providing training on systematic reviews, GRADE, and critical appraisal, we empower healthcare professionals across Spain to make informed decisions that ultimately improve patient outcomes."

The Centre's contributions to the field are significant, offering systematic review training to health professionals, medical associations, university students, and Cochrane members. In addition, the Centre supports postgraduate research, including Master’s and doctoral theses. The Navarre Associate Centre has produced both Cochrane and non-Cochrane systematic reviews, with a particular focus on hypertension. Their recent publications include critical reviews on blood pressure targets in individuals with chronic renal disease and for people with hypertension and cardiovascular disease, the impact of pharmacotherapy on hypertension-induced left ventricular hypertrophy, and on alcohol intake reduction for controlling hypertension.

The Navarre Associate Centre is also a member of the newly formed thematic group, Cochrane Heart, Stroke, and Circulation, and the Spanish network for the Improvement of the Appropriateness of Clinical Practice (MAPAC). This engagement offers unique opportunities for knowledge translation both locally and nationally, contributing to a broader impact across Spain.

Luis Carlos Saiz, Managing Editor of the Spanish satellite of the Cochrane Hypertension Group, underscores the importance of collaboration in amplifying the Centre’s impact: "Our involvement in networks like MAPAC and the Spanish Medicines Agency’s BIFAP database allows us to work closely with clinicians and researchers, ensuring that our evidence synthesis work is directly applicable to clinical practice. These collaborations are crucial in driving improvements in healthcare delivery."

The Navarre Associate Centre plays a crucial role in shaping clinical practice within the Navarre Health Service. Clinicians propose relevant topics for the "Committee for the Improvement of the Appropriateness of Clinical Practice" (MAPAC) to address. The Centre's members, also part of the MAPAC committee, develop evidence synthesis reports based on both Cochrane and non-Cochrane systematic reviews. These reports form the basis of recommendations and guidelines, which are then transformed into legally binding resolutions by the Managing Director of the Navarre Health Service, ensuring effective implementation and positive impact on healthcare practices.

Looking forward, the Centre aims to align its activities more closely with the needs of clinicians and the goals of Cochrane. As part of the newly approved Cochrane Iberoamerica Evidence Synthesis Unit, the Centre is poised to contribute even more substantially to evidence synthesis in the region.

For those interested in getting involved, the Navarre Associate Centre welcomes collaboration and inquiries. "We are always looking to expand our network and invite healthcare professionals and researchers to join us in our mission to enhance evidence-based healthcare," adds Saiz.

• Visit the Cochrane Iberoamérica website
• Cochrane the Navarre Associate Centre via Juan Erviti (jervitil@navarra.es) or Luis Carlos Saiz (lsaizfer@navarra.es).
• Find a Cochrane Geographic Group in your country