Cochrane is an international not-for-profit and independent organization, dedicated to making up-to-date, accurate information about the effects of healthcare readily available worldwide. It produces and disseminates systematic reviews of healthcare interventions and promotes the search for evidence in the form of clinical trials and other studies of interventions. Cochrane was founded in 1993 and named after the British epidemiologist, Archie Cochrane.

The major product of Cochrane is the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews which is published quarterly as part of The Cochrane Library .

Those who prepare the reviews are mostly healthcare professionals who volunteer to work in one of the many Cochrane Review Groups, with editorial teams overseeing the preparation and maintenance of the reviews, as well as application of the rigorous quality standards for which Cochrane Reviews have become known.

The activities of Cochrane are directed by an elected Steering Group and are supported by staff in Cochrane Entities (Centres, Review Groups, Methods Groups, Fields/Networks) around the world.

Further reading:
Newcomers' Guide - about Cochrane and getting involved
Impact of Cochrane evidence
See other introductory documents
Browse our Press Kits
View an example of a Cochrane Review
Browse the list of Cochrane Review Groups
Read Newsletters of various Cochrane groups & centres
Information about Cochrane prizes & awards