Cochrane's members and supporters come from more than 130 countries, worldwide. Our volunteers and contributors are researchers, health professionals, patients, carers, people passionate about improving health outcomes for everyone, everywhere.
Getting involved in Cochrane’s work means becoming part of a global community. The Cochrane International Mobility programme connects successful applicants with a placement in a host Cochrane Group, where they learn about the production, use, and knowledge translation of Cochrane reviews. The prgramme offers opportunities for learning and training not only for participants but also for host staff.
In this series, we profile those who have participated in the Cochrane International Mobility Program and learn more about their experiences.
Name: Yu-Tian
Location: China
CIM Location: Cochrane Sweden
How did you first learn about Cochrane?
I first learned about Cochrane in 2015 when I was a medical student at Fudan University in Shanghai, China. I was browsing through an online Chinese discussion forum for medical professionals and I came across a post giving a brief introduction to Cochrane. This aroused my interest and I further explored the official website of Cochrane. Before long I started participating in RCT screening in Cochrane Crowd and applying for tasks on the volunteer platform Cochrane Engage. In 2016, I decided to attend the 24th Cochrane Colloquium in Seoul, where I met many encouraging people in person who provided help and detailed guidance on how to get started. Most notably, I was fortunate to meet Juan Franco and colleagues, who invited me to become a co-author of two Cochrane reviews on non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions for treating chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
What was your experience with your Cochrane International Mobility?
I had previously completed a few requests on Cochrane Engage posted by Matteo Bruschettini from Cochrane Sweden, and in 2023 he involved me in a Cochrane review update. Matteo is super kind, supportive, and professional in both neonatal care and evidence synthesis methodology. Our team of three held Zoom meetings on a regular basis, where Matteo would always patiently guide us through every single step and explain to us in details from the evolution of Cochrane methods to tips on software use.
What are you doing now in relation to your virtual Cochrane International Mobility experience?
We have just submitted our Cochrane review about cycled light in NICU for preterm and low birth weight infants. I didn't even realize how much I had learned from this experience until now, as I work on other systematic reviews related to urology; I feel much more confident and everything runs much more smoothly than I previously expected. I am truly grateful to Matteo for providing this wonderful virtual CIM experience.
Do you have any words of advice to anyone considering a Cochrane International Mobility experience?
I strongly encourage anyone interested in systematic review and critical appraisal of evidence to participate in Cochrane activities and connect to the welcoming culture and people. For those who are getting started, remember that Cochrane Handbook and the abundant resources in Cochrane Training are always there for you, and that a CIM experience is the best opportunity to find you a teacher and put everything you are learning into practice. Do not give up or feel frustrated that you are not making any real progress; all these bits of training will gradually sink in, and one day they’ll just click.