Cochrane has a new production model 

Cochrane's new model for synthesising evidence is well underway. Our new Central Editorial Service is fully operational, and our Thematic Groups and Evidence Synthesis Units are up and running.

We are taking an agile approach across all these initiatives; testing out ideas and processes to allow the model to evolve in a way that ensures Cochrane is sustainable, and focused on major global health challenges now and into the future.

  • Scientific Strategy: Cochrane has defined strategic priorities as part of a five-year Scientific Strategy to reduce the health inequities and disparities that persist in healthcare globally. These priorities provide a focus for fundraising activity at the organisational level.

    Diverse topic coverage: Cochrane groups have expertise in a wide range of areas and extensive networks of topic specialists, healthcare consumers, and methods experts. They ensure Cochrane addresses the right questions across diverse topic areas for diverse audiences.

  • Content development pathways: Cochrane now has Evidence Synthesis Units - based around the world - which can focus on developing evidence to address the world’s most urgent health care needs. They operate alongside Thematic Groups and Review Groups to deliver high-quality Cochrane evidence. Cochrane teams work flexibly and collaboratively depending on the expertise needed, turnaround times required and how the work is funded. Other Cochrane groups and independent author teams can also submit manuscripts for consideration.

    Author support: Cochrane provides a range of support, including training modules, bespoke tools, a dedicated support team, and access to methods experts and the topic knowledge available through Thematic Groups and Review Groups.

  • Quality assurance: The Central Editorial Service evaluates every submission using a consistent process to maintain Cochrane’s high standards. The team of independent editors seek input from topic experts, methodologists and people with lived experience. A central production team prepares the manuscripts for publication.

    Expert input: Topic experts from all Cochrane groups can support the central editorial process, through robust processes that ensure there is a clear separation between manuscript development and editorial decision making.

  • Sharing evidence where it’s most needed:

    Cochrane groups use their extensive networks to ensure that important evidence syntheses reach the people who can use them to improve health outcomes globally. Centrally, Cochrane also works with journalists and communications experts to share evidence in accessible ways.

Cochrane Thematic Groups are topic-based collectives with specialist knowledge and expertise. They help identify priority areas, engage with key stakeholders to harness Cochrane’s extraordinary volunteer network and support the production of high-quality evidence.

We have recently announced the launch of Cochrane's first-ever Evidence Synthesis Units. These collaborative, multi-topic research groups will play a crucial role in delivering trusted Cochrane evidence to address major global health challenges.

Cochrane’s Central Editorial Service (CES) is now fully operational as the editorial office of Cochrane’s Central Executive team. The CES team ensures the quality and integrity of all protocols, reviews, and updates published on the Cochrane Library.