23rd annual Cochrane Colloquium in Vienna: Innovation against Information Overload

“We are proud to have brought the Cochrane Colloquium to Austria for the first time. For us, it has been an exciting exchange of ideas; the ideas born here will contribute in many positive ways to health care.” , Colloquium Co-Chairs Univ.-Prof. Dr. Gerald Gartlehner and Dr. Kylie Thaler, MPH.

With an all-time record number of attendees, the 23rd Cochrane Colloquium took place from October 3-7, 2015 in Vienna. Over 1,300 scientists from 60 countries presented innovative approaches for doctors and other medical professionals to deal with information overload as well as to stay on top of current medical knowledge.

The Cochrane Austria team planned a diverse program: 95 workshops with over 650 internationally recognized presenters, 708 submitted abstracts, 331 oral presentations, and 242 poster sessions. The highlight of the Colloquium was the annual “Cochrane Lecture” presented by Ida Sim of the University of San Francisco. Her lecture “The uneven future of evidence-based medicine” depicted her experience with “big data” and “computer-supported systems” in evidence collection and assessment.

Worldwide, 37,000 medical professionals and scientists are involved in the Cochrane network. Their job is to summarize the results of the best studies in systematic reviews based on the strictest scientific criterion. This cooperation is unique and it was therefore an honor to be able to host the players in Cochrane in Vienna. We hope that attendees found Vienna the perfect location to exchange ideas and to discuss new methods and challenges. 

On top of the scientific program, fun was also to be had. From the welcome reception at the Kursalon in Vienna’s City Park, to waltz lessons, a traditional Austrian meal, and the Gala Dinner at Vienna’s City Hall, Cochrane Austria offered attendees am enjoyable week. 

Cochrane Austria would like to thank all its sponsors, supporters, and visitors.