Project: Thematic Groups

Establish Thematic Groups that prioritise, develop, and disseminate high-quality Cochrane evidence, and retain and attract Cochrane volunteers.

Aims

The Thematic Groups are a core component of the new model, representing a way to transform Cochrane’s approach to evidence synthesis. This project aims to:

• Preserve and build on Cochrane’s existing network of content and methods experts and maintain links with clinical and patient communities and other key stakeholder groups.

• Provide another potential mechanism for developing Cochrane evidence syntheses, thereby supporting Cochrane’s evidence publication pipeline.

• Establish up to 20 Thematic Groups in phases to test assumptions and then scale up over the next three years.

Timeline & milestones

• The first set of Thematic Groups was announced in Nov 2022.

• Phased implementation began in Q1 2023.

• Accountability framework (Terms of Reference) shared with Groups in November 2023.

• Launch a second call for applications in Q1 of 2024.

• Establish 20 Thematic Groups by Q4 2025.

News

• Norwegian launch of Cochrane People, Health Systems and Public Health – An interview with Simon Lewin

• Cochrane’s new Thematic Groups: Heart, Stroke and Circulation

• Cochrane’s new Thematic Groups: Person-Centred Care, Health Systems and Public Health

• Cochrane's New Thematic Groups: Nutrition and Physical Activity

• Major milestones and new beginnings: Cochrane announces first round of new Thematic Groups

Project Lead

Ruth Foxlee