We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Susan Phillips as the new Cochrane Governing Board Chair. 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.