A round-up of upcoming Cochrane-related events and conferences
Whether you're a healthcare professional, researcher, or simply interested in evidence-based healthcare, this listing of events, both in-person and virtual, offers a diverse array of opportunities to engage with the latest developments in evidence synthesis in health. From webinars and symposiums to workshops and seminars, join us in fostering evidence-based healthcare on a global scale
If you would like to list your event here, please contact mparkinson@cochrane.org
2025
January
(How) can AI-based automation tools assist with systematic searching?
16 January, 10:00 UTC (view in your timezone), online
In this session, part of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods in evidence synthesis series, the presenters will explore if and how AI-based automation tools can assist with systematic searching for the production of evidence syntheses. More information and registration here.
February
Could large language models and/or AI-based automation tools assist the screening process?
13 February, 10:00 UTC (view in your timezone), online
In this session, part of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods in evidence synthesis series, the presenter will give an overview on the background and existing literature on different Machine Learning (ML) approaches versus Large Language Models (LLM) approaches in screening. More information and registration here.
Introduction to RevMan: a walk-through for new users
26 February, 14:00 UTC (view in your timezone), online
In this session, Rebecka Hall, Product Owner of RevMan, will provide a comprehensive overview of starting to use RevMan as an individual or institutional subscriber. This webinar is aimed at entry-level users of RevMan and everyone interested in using it. It will consist of a live hands-on demo of RevMan, including a brief introductory presentation (10 to 15 minutes), followed by demonstration with Q&A. More information and registration here.
March
Opportunities and challenges for data extraction with a large language model
12 March, 14:00 UTC (view in your timezone), online
In this session, part of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods in evidence synthesis series, the presenter will give an overview of the current research landscape concerning data extraction using LLMs. The presenter will also show findings from a study within reviews (SWAR) that validated the workflow of employing an LLM for semi-automating data extraction within systematic reviews. Additionally, the webinar will address current methodological challenges in evaluating LLMs for data extraction tasks. More information and registration here.
Workshop: Systematic reviews and meta-analysis of prognosis studies
24-26 March, online (view in your timezone)
From 24-26 March, 2025, a 3-day online workshop targeted at people who wish to learn how to summarise evidence of prognosis studies in a (Cochrane) review will be facilitated. In this three-day workshop we discuss and practice how to define your prognosis review question, how to search the literature, how to critically assess the quality of primary prognosis studies, which statistical methods to use for a meta-analysis of the results of primary prognosis studies, how to use these methods and how to interpret and report the findings. More information can be found here.
April
(How well) can large language models and AI-based automation tools assist in Risk of Bias Assessment?
9 April, 10:00 UTC (view in your timezone), online
Assessing the risk of bias of studies included in a systematic review is time and resource consuming. Thus far, there are a number of approaches to support this process using AI. In this webinar, part of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods in evidence synthesis series, the presenter will provide insight into current activities in this area. The session is primarily aimed at people who have experience in systematic review production, but is also open to anyone with a general interest in the topic. More information and registration here.
Meta-analysis and RevMan Web workshop
28-29 April in Lund, Sweden, in-person
In this two-day workshop, Cochrane Sweden and special guests will guide the participants through the steps in planning, performing, and interpreting meta-analyses. The workshop will cover theory and practice, and will be conducted in English. More information and registration here.
May
How effectively do large language models and AI-based automation tools assist in writing and summarizing evidence syntheses?
7 May, 15:00 UTC (view in your timezone), online
In this webinar, part of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods in evidence synthesis series, the presenter will give an overview of different ways that large language models can be used to help write systematic review protocols and manuscripts. The session is aimed at anyone who is interested in conducting systematic reviews. More information and registration here.
22nd GRADE Guideline Development Workshop with Focus on GRADE for Diagnosis
7-9 May in Arlington, Virginia (USA), in-person
This 3-day in-person workshop will cover the application of the GRADE framework for assessing the certainty of evidence and formulating guideline recommendations for diagnosis. Pre-workshop courses and opportunities to receive access to INGUIDE Level 1 and two certification available. Learn more here.
Cochrane Africa Indaba 2025
14-15 May in Kenya, in person
The Cochrane Africa Network is thrilled to announce the Cochrane Africa Indaba 2025, an international conference dedicated to evidence-based healthcare. This event will be hosted by the East Africa Hub at Cochrane Kenya. Registration is now open.
Introduction to Cochrane Methodology
19-23 May in Lund, Sweden, in-person
This 1-week course on Cochrane Methodology is primarily aimed at Ph.D. students and researches from the fields of medicine, health science or epidemiology, but attendance is open to anyone interested in creating or understanding systematic reviews. More information and registration here.
June
Recommendations and guidance on responsible AI in evidence synthesis
3 June, 13:00 UTC (view in your timezone), online
In this webinar, part of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods in evidence synthesis series, the presenters will cover: (1) Why do we all need to embrace responsible AI? (2) What are the recommendations for responsible AI? (3) What changes to Cochrane processes and governance will help authors and others use AI responsibly? The session is aimed at evidence synthesists, methodologists, AI developers, or those from organizations, funders or publishers involved in evidence synthesis. More information and registration here.
September
The Tenth International Congress on Peer Review and Scientific Publication
3-5 September 2025 in Chicago, USA.
The Congress, organized by JAMA, The BMJ, and METRICS, will feature 3 days of presentations of new and original research. Our aim is to encourage research into the quality and credibility of peer review and scientific publication and to further the evidence base on which scientists can improve the conduct, reporting, and dissemination of scientific research. Abstracts due 31 January 2025. For more information go to https://peerreviewcongress.org/ or contact: jama-peer@jamanetwork.org
GIN 2025 Conference
16-19 September in Geneva, Switzerland
2026
October
2026 Cochrane Colloquium
October in India, in-person
The Cochrane Colloquium is heading to India in October 2026. This flagship event will focus on bridging gaps, global evidence, local impact, and equitable action. Stay tuned for updates by signing up for the newsletter to get the latest news and announcements.
If you would like to list your event here, please contact mparkinson@cochrane.org