LSTM is part of an expert global group that has been awarded responsibility to lead a new Cochrane Thematic Group in Infectious Diseases.
The group brings together expertise from institutions including the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the National Institute of Health of Peru (NIH Peru), and LSTM.
Cochrane is a world leader in evidence synthesis, trusted to produce rigorous and reliable evidence in the form of systematic reviews that populations around the world can use to make informed health decisions. These can be used by health professionals and policymakers on the prevention or treatment of conditions, whether on an individual level or to create global health guidelines.
Infectious diseases are one of the four priority research areas in Cochrane’s scientific strategy, reflecting urgent global health needs, from longstanding infectious disease burdens to emerging illnesses and antimicrobial resistance.
The new Thematic Group will bring together cross-disciplinary expertise to identify priority topics, engage key stakeholders, and support the development and dissemination of high-quality evidence syntheses that respond to global infectious disease challenges. Partnership is central to LSTM’s mission, and the new collaboration reflects the School’s long-standing commitment to working with global partners to deliver equitable, high-impact research.
LSTM researchers will work with KEMRI and NIH Peru to coordinate global partners and set priorities for infectious diseases research. The group will strengthen Global South leadership and capacity in infectious disease related evidence synthesis by embedding equitable North–South collaboration in review production, mentorship, and leadership development.
LSTM’s involvement is led by Dr Tilly Fox, Dr Shevin Jacob, Professor Tom Fletcher, and Professor Tansy Edwards, who steer LSTM’s Evidence Synthesis group,
Dr Tilly Fox, Senior Research Associate at LSTM and Priority Setting and Methods Lead for the new Cochrane group, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for LSTM to continue to contribute our extensive expertise in infectious diseases to support evidence-informed decision-making globally. This collaboration represents our ongoing commitment to evidence synthesis production and research.”
Toby Lasserson, Cochrane Acting Editor in Chief said: “I am thrilled to welcome the new Thematic Group in Infectious Diseases to our community in Cochrane. The team has significant experience as well as excellent topic and methods expertise. Infectious disease continues to be a major burden of disease in many parts of the world; the team has the experience and knowledge to address the questions that many interest holders need answers for.”