Cochrane US Network participates in March for Science virtual activities

March for Science is running a series of virtual events this week as a global call to action for science-informed, evidence-based public policy.

The online events, which run from 22-26 April, mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.

March for Science is the world’s largest grassroots community of science advocates. Members of the Cochrane Community from around the world have actively participated in March for Science activities each year since the first marches in 2017.

This year, there are two virtual Cochrane activities to get involved with: a live panel session led by members of the Cochrane US Network, and a Cochrane Crowd screening challenge.

Cochrane US Network live session: Providing Reliable Evidence to Support Decision-Making In the COVID-19 Pandemic

Wednesday 22 April, 4-4:30 CST/5-5:30pm EST

Join here

Hosted by Dr. Dru Riddle, Dr. Donal O'Mathuna, Dr. Tianjing Li

As part of the March for Science ‘Pandemics and Public Policy’ programme, members of the Cochrane US Network will host a live video session about Cochrane’s work and the role of evidence synthesis in decision making – particularly in the context of COVID-19. It will cover some of the work being done – both by Cochrane and its US affiliate centers – to help ensure the policy response to COVID-19 is as evidence-informed as possible. The session will also cover the various types of evidence that inform healthcare decisions including expert opinion, retrospective studies, and pragmatic studies – and there will be the chance for viewers to ask questions.

Cochrane Crowd March for Science screening challenge – be a citizen scientist

Friday 24 April, 2-5pm BST/9am-12pm ET

Join here

Cochrane Crowd, Cochrane’s citizen science platform, is a global community made up of volunteers who are helping to identify the research needed to support informed decision-making about healthcare treatments.

As part of this year’s March for Science programming, Cochrane Crowd is hosting 3-hour screening challenge on Friday 24 April. With many around the world self-isolating and social distancing, this screening challenge is an opportunity to come together with others virtually to make a meaningful difference to healthcare research.

The challenge will focus on identifying randomized controlled trials from CINAHL, one of the top nursing and allied health databases. No experience is necessary, and all are welcome to join – free interactive training is offered on the Cochrane Crowd website.