Cochrane UK has been funded by the UK Government since its inception, over 30 years ago. This has provided a stable base for Cochrane to develop into a truly global collaboration at the forefront of evidence production.  This funding will conclude at the end of the current contract period in March 2025 and Cochrane UK is seeking new sources of funding to continue its work in supporting the production, dissemination and use of evidence for healthcare decision-making.

Since Cochrane UK was established - as the first Cochrane centre - it has delivered a varied programme of work. For example, providing training, events (including four Colloquia, the inaugural one in Oxford, then Dublin and Edinburgh, with a fourth planned in London in 2023) and resources for Cochrane contributors and others; supporting the dissemination of Cochrane evidence; and monitoring the impact of Cochrane Reviews.

In the early years, Cochrane UK conducted a programme of methods research and helped establish the Cochrane Central Register of Studies. Cochrane UK also founded Students 4 Best Evidence, a global network for students interested in evidence-based health care and carries out outreach work teaching school children, and others, about evidence-based decision-making.

Catherine Spencer, Cochrane’s CEO says, “As it comes to the end of the current contract period Cochrane is committed to supporting Cochrane UK to find new sources of funding.”  

“Cochrane is tremendously grateful for the support we have received.  Not only for activities undertaken in the UK with NIHR funding, but also for the contributions the UK-based Cochrane Review Groups and Cochrane UK have made to the organization’s global endeavour.  We would not be in the position we are today – looking ahead as a truly international collaboration overseeing the production of highly valued, independent, health evidence – without this support.” 

Martin Burton, Director of Cochrane UK, said, “We are keen to be responsive to the needs of the Cochrane Community in the UK and plan to continue to offer training and support.  But we are also seeking to explore opportunities presented by Cochrane’s global strategic vision, and to identify new funding sources that align with those.”