New Cochrane Library feature will help Information Specialists and systematic review authors produce trustworthy evidence.

Cochrane has launched a new feature in CENTRAL, our database of reports of clinical trials, to identify and flag publications that have been retracted by the publisher.

Cochrane's policy for managing potentially problematic studies states that studies with associated retractions should not be included in Cochrane reviews. This has previously been harder to achieve than it should be due to inconsistent ways of tagging published retractions that affects their accessibility and discoverability. But recent developments to standardise retractions and open the curated Retraction Watch database are helping address this.

To help Information Specialists and systematic review authors produce timely and trustworthy evidence that does not include problematic studies, we have been working hard to identify when a report of a randomized controlled trial is retracted; and to consistently label these as retracted publications in CENTRAL, with publication type label Retracted publication:pt. You can read our FAQ page on retracted publications to find out more about what sources we are using to identify these, and our plans to use additional sources in the future to identify more.

This month we launch the first feature that helps users of CENTRAL (Cochrane’s database of trials) on the Cochrane Library better identify retracted publications in CENTRAL. When a user of Search Manager conducts a search, and views results in the Trials tab, if their search results contain records to papers retracted by the publisher a banner will appear, alerting them:

This will mean that when conducting a search for a review, it will be easier to identify known retracted publications. Why do we say ‘known’ retracted publications? In practice, “Although a journal may retract a publication, the communication of that retraction is often incomplete, both in the use of vague retraction notices with euphemistic language and the inconsistent and ineffective annotation of retracted publications.” (Bakker, Boughtib, & Faggion, 2024). 

This work doesn’t end here, we need to do more to ensure that studies with associated retractions are not included in Cochrane reviews. There are additional challenges because, 'identifying retracted publications is important but logistically challenging; publications may be retracted while a review is in preparation or in press and problems with a publication may also be discovered after the evidence synthesis is published' (Bakker, Boughtib, & Faggion, 2024).

We are currently linking those studies we have identified with retracted publications to published and in progress Cochrane reviews. Developments will also include automatic ways to inform the authors of these Cochrane reviews about the retractions, in order to proactively address this challenge; and to ensure that Cochrane remains the home of trustworthy evidence.

CENTRAL is a unique source for identifying reports of randomized controlled trials retracted by publishers. Want to make the most of this valuable data source, and the new feature on the Cochrane Library? There is further information available on the Cochrane Library, and in this short video below which offers practical tips for users of CENTRAL via Search Manager on the Cochrane Library.

Bakker, C., Boughtib, S., & Faggion, C. (2024). Reducing the residue of retractions in evidence synthesis: ways to minimise inappropriate citation and use of retracted data. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, 29, 121-126. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjebm-2022-111921

Cochrane peer reviewers can now feature their peer review activity on their Web of Science profiles thanks to a new collaboration between Cochrane and Clarivate. 

Clarivate operates the Web of Science platform, a database that tracks citations, authorship and contributions in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The Web of Science Reviewer Recognition Service allows peer reviewers to track, verify and showcase their work and expertise through the platform.  

“We are extremely grateful to all our peer reviewers, Associate Editors, and Senior Editors who again and again volunteer their expertise and time to actively support Cochrane,” says Colleen Ovelman, Head of Editorial at Cochrane. “As a small token of gratitude, we have ensured that their hard work is now automatically recognized on their Web of Science reviewer profile.” 

All peer reviewers contributing to Cochrane reviews from 15 January 2025 onwards have the option to showcase their contributions on Web of Science. Unfortunately we are not able to recognise historical contributions in this way.  

If you already have a Web of Science profile, you do not need to create a new one to benefit from this service. If you do not yet have a Web of Science profile, you can sign up now for free.  

To ensure your contributions appear on your Web of Science profile: when you next provide feedback on a Cochrane review using an online peer review form in Editorial Manager, please answer 'Yes' to the question "Would you like to receive recognition for this contribution on Web of Science?". A record of your contribution will then be sent automatically from Editorial Manager to your Web of Science profile. The contribution should appear on your profile within 48 hours.  

Don’t forget: your contributions as a peer reviewer also go towards earning you Cochrane Membership. You can track your contributions as a peer reviewer in your Cochrane Account. 

You can get involved in peer review via Cochrane Engage by searching for tasks tagged as methodological, clinical or consumer depending on your role. 

A new Cochrane review confirms that antidepressants effectively reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) under trial conditions, although there is limited data on long-term usage.

GAD affects millions of people worldwide and is characterized by excessive worry about everyday issues. Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are recognized treatments for GAD, recommended by many national bodies including the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. However, misconceptions remain among some healthcare professionals and patients who do not realise that ‘antidepressants’ have wider uses beyond depression, while the term also carries stigma for many people.

The review analyzed 37 randomized controlled trials with over 12,000 participants, comparing antidepressants to a placebo.  Most trials were primarily conducted in high-income countries, including the United States of America and various European countries, and recruited adults of both sexes. In most cases, there were slightly more female participants (~60%) which reflects the clinical prevalence of GAD.

Results showed that antidepressants were more effective than placebo in reducing anxiety symptoms, with a 41% higher response rate among those taking the medication compared to those taking a placebo. The review found no significant difference in dropout rates between those taking antidepressants and those taking a placebo, indicating that these medications are generally well-tolerated.

“We don’t have enough evidence to say how effective they may be in patients with GAD alongside other mental health conditions, which is much more common in clinical practice. Most of the patients I see with GAD also have other mental health conditions, so future trials should investigate the effects of different treatment strategies on patients with multiple conditions."

The review also highlights the lack of data on the long-term effects of antidepressants. Most included trials lasted between 4 to 12 weeks, with no long-term follow-up.

"We don’t have enough information on the potential long-term benefits and harms of antidepressants, even though people often take them for years,” says first author Katarina Kopcalic, who conducted the review at Western University. “This is an area that needs further exploration in future trials.” 

Despite these limitations, the review delivers a clear message: antidepressants are effective for managing GAD, particularly for patients who do not respond well to non-pharmacological treatments. However, more independent, long-term research is needed to understand their full impact, especially in patients with multiple conditions.

• Read the Cochrane review and the plain language summary
• Read the news item in Spanish

Title:  Administrative Assistant
Specifications: Permanent – Full Time
Salary: £27,000 per annum
Location: (Remote) based in the UK, Germany or Denmark. 
Directorate: Publishing and Technology Directorate
Closing date: 4 February, 2025

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

This varied role provides effective and efficient administrative support to the Central Executive Team, with particular support to the Publishing & Technology Directorate. It will also interface with the broader Cochrane Community.

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

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

You can expect: 

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally
• A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experience
• 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 4 February, 2025
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement

Title: Data Scientist
Specifications: Permanent – Full Time
Salary: circa £55,000 per annum
Location: (Remote) based in the UK, Germany or Denmark. 
Directorate: Publishing and Technology Directorate
Closing date: 11 February, 2025

As Cochrane’s Data Scientist, you will work with our technology, product and publishing teams to leverage data in supporting the work of Cochrane in advocating for evidence-informed health decision-making worldwide. 

You will be involved in researching, analysing, presenting results, and recommending intelligent solutions to solve problems and address organisational challenges by applying knowledge of data analysis, critical-thinking skills, and healthcare experience/expertise.  You will assist in assessing how data science (including Large Language Models and Artificial Intelligence) can help evolve evidence-based medicine, at the global leader for evidence synthesis.

Joining our team means becoming part of a mission to enhance global health through reliable, evidence-based practices. You'll collaborate with dedicated professionals and partners worldwide to ensure health decisions are informed by the best available data. Our core values — collaboration, relevance, integrity, and quality — guide all our actions. By joining us, you'll contribute to making a significant impact on health outcomes globally.

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

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

You can expect: 

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally
• A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experience
• 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 11 February, 2025
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement

A new Cochrane review has found that calorie labelling of food on menus and products leads people to choose slightly fewer calories.

The research team, led by scientists from UCL, Bath Spa University, the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, examined evidence from 25 studies on the impact of calorie labelling on food selection and consumption. They found that calorie labels in supermarkets, restaurants and other food outlets led to a small reduction in the calories people selected and purchased. The average reduction was 1.8%, which would equate to 11 calories in a 600 calorie meal – or around two almonds.

Small daily changes in energy consumption can have meaningful effects if sustained long-term, and most adults tend to gain weight as we age. A UK government report estimated that 90% of 20-40 year olds in England will gain up to 9kg over ten years, and that reducing daily energy intake by 24 calories per day – roughly 1% of the recommended intake for adults – would prevent this increase.

Our review suggests that calorie labelling leads to a modest reduction in the calories people purchase and consume.

This may have some impact on health at the population level, but calorie labelling is certainly no silver bullet. Our previous version of this review from 2018 reported a potentially larger effect, but was inconclusive because there was significant uncertainty over the results. This update has reduced that uncertainty, and we can now say with confidence that there is very likely a real, albeit modest, effect.

- Dr Gareth Hollands, senior author, from the UCL Social Research Institute, also Senior Visiting Fellow at the University of Cambridge.

The new update compiles evidence from 25 studies with a strong emphasis on real-world field settings, with 16 of the studies being conducted in restaurants, cafeterias, and supermarkets. The studies that were analysed encompassed over 10,000 participants from high-income countries including Canada, France, the United Kingdom and the USA. Only two of the studies included alcoholic drinks, and their results were too uncertain to draw any meaningful conclusions.

This review strengthens the evidence that calorie labelling can lead to small but consistent reductions in calorie selection.

While the overall impact on individual meals or food purchases may be modest, the evidence is robust. The cumulative effect at a population level could make a meaningful contribution to public health, especially as calorie labelling becomes more widespread.

- Dr Natasha Clarke, lead author, from Bath Spa University, who began the project at the University of Cambridge. 

While calorie labelling shows promise, concerns remain about its possible impact on people at risk of disordered eating. The review noted a lack of data in the included studies on possible harms, including mental health impacts, and the authors recommend future research to assess this.

“Calorie labelling to reduce the calories that people consume remains somewhat contentious, both in terms of whether it has any effect, and whether potential benefits outweigh potential risks or harms,” says Gareth. “We can now say with considerable confidence that it does have a small but potentially meaningful effect on people’s food choices. Labelling may therefore have a useful role, ideally alongside a broader set of approaches that place more onus on industry rather than individuals, such as taxes, marketing restrictions and reformulation. However, we should not expect miracles, and any implementation of calorie labelling must balance the many potential positive and negative impacts of such policies.”

• Read the Cochrane review and the plain language summary
• Read the news item in Spanish

Clarke N, Pechey E, Shemilt I, Pilling M, Roberts NW, Marteau TM, Jebb SA, Hollands GJ. Calorie (energy) labelling for changing selection and consumption of food or alcohol. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews TBD, Issue TBD. Art. No.: CD014845. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD014845.pub2.

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

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

A New Model for Synthesising Evidence

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

Evidence Synthesis Units and Thematic Groups

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

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

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

Centralised Editorial Service

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

Simplifying the author journey

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

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

Updated reporting standards and improved accessibility

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

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

Global impact and inclusivity

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

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

Toward a brighter future for health evidence

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

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

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

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

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

Initial priorities will be to:

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

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

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

You can expect: 

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

How to apply

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can expect:

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

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

How to apply

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can expect:

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

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

How to apply

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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