Dear Cochrane Colloquium colleagues and friends,

It is with the deepest disappointment and regret that I have to inform you that as a result of the continued spread and impact of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) across the world, Cochrane’s 27th Colloquium in Toronto, Canada, between 4-7th October this year has been cancelled. 

Cochrane’s Governing Board have concluded that it is the most appropriate decision to cancel the Toronto Colloquium in its entirety for 2020 and instead hold it in the Fall of 2022. We are looking at availability options in Toronto and hope to secure dates within the coming weeks.

Thus, we have decided to not hold an in-person, ‘virtual’ or ‘hybrid’ Colloquium this year. Given the extraordinary and ever changing circumstances we are all living through, the uncertainties around how the pandemic will develop and its ongoing impact, and the continuing pressures imposed on all of Cochrane’s Groups and its Central Executive Team in working on our COVID-19 response as well as critical ‘Business as Usual’ activities, the Board decided that trying to plan a colloquium in the coming months would put unnecessary pressure on the organization.

I understand that this news is extremely sad to hear. The Governing Board members have openly expressed their thanks to us as local organizing teams and recognize the extraordinary efforts of Cochrane Canada, the members of scientific and numerous other committees and many Cochrane contributors who have been supporting this year’s planned Colloquium as well as all the work already in place to secure such a distinguished scientific programme and roster of international speakers and guests.

We realize many members of the community have invested a great deal of effort in submitting abstracts for the colloquium. Cochrane will offer the opportunity to have accepted abstracts published in a supplement to the Cochrane Library and an online showing of the work. Of course, those of you who prefer to not take that opportunity and instead present the work at a later point in time, can let us know. Additional information regarding the abstract process will be sent directly to those involved. Cochrane is also exploring opportunities of using submitted workshop abstracts to support Cochrane’s continued learning and educational programs.

Despite the disappointment this news brings, I hope we can stay in “close” touch and you will all be able to cope with the circumstances the pandemic brings.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to a Toronto Colloquium, and we will be in contact again soon with our future plans.

Holger Schünemann

On behalf of Cochrane Canada and Colloquium Toronto Local Organizing Committee