CoI Policy for Cochrane Groups updated to align better with Cochrane Library COI policy
Cochrane maintains its reputation for independence and credibility through the core values of transparency and research integrity which include, among other things, minimizing the effects that conflicts of interest could have on our research and our organization. We do this by adhering to rigorous policies about conflicts of interest. In 2020, a revised conflict of interest policy for Cochrane Library content was introduced that strengthened the previous policy in several ways and restructured it to make it easier to follow.
The Governing Board has now approved an update to 2014 Conflict of Interest Policy for Cochrane Groups to bring it in line with the 2020 Conflict of Interest Policy for Cochrane Library Content, setting out the rule that:
Geographic Groups, Fields, and Methods Groups are not permitted to accept funds from commercial sponsors or commercial sources that have a financial interest in the topic areas covered by the Cochrane Library.
The Board has also asked the Central Executive Team to start work on an ethical policy relevant to fundraising and investment, alongside a more comprehensive review of allowed conflicts of interest for activities, people, Cochrane Groups and Committees, not covered under 2020 Conflict of Interest Policy for Cochrane Library Content, to ensure alignment. This work will begin at the end of 2022.