Cochrane's flagship event, the Cochrane Colloquium,  brings together anyone with an interest in the use of evidence in healthcare decision-making to learn, collaborate, and network. The impact of the Cochrane Colloquium goes beyond the scientific program. For many attendees, it is a life-changing experience that inspires them, connects them with like-minded individuals, and broadens their perspectives.

We already collect stories from the Cochrane Community about how they got involved with Cochrane. This edition of  #MyCochraneStory invites anyone who attended a past Cochrane Colloquium to share their personal stories and reflections on the event. Whether you have a favourite Colloquium moment, a connection you made,  or something you're proud of presenting  - we want to hear from you! 

To share your #MyCochraneStory please contact Lydia Parsonson - lparsonson@cochrane.org - with the following:

• 1-4 photos from past Colloquiums. Please provide a caption for each photo you share. We'll be sharing them as a collage in the news item but may like to share them individually with some context on social media. 
• Your country of residence: Our community is diverse and we want to celebrate this!
• Your Cochrane Story: We want to hear about what your favourite Colloquium memories are and what you think makes the event memorable. 
• Social media handles: We will give your Twitter or Instagram account a tag; just let us know your handles!

Top-left: Cochrane Rehabilitation in Cape Town. Middle: Cochrane Rehabilitation dinner in Edinburgh. Top-right: Cochrane Rehabilitation spaghetti dinner in our Cape Town apartment. Bottom-left: Cochrane Rehabilitation approved by the Governing Board in Seoul. Bottom-right: On the hotel roof terrace during the curfew in Santiago de Chile.

Prof. Stefano Negrini – “Cochrane Rehabilitation was approved at the colloquium in Seoul where Carlotte Kiekens and I participated. Since the start we have been a global collaboration and many representatives from Cochrane Rehabilitation can meet almost exclusively at Colloquia. It’s a great time for us to meet, learn, talk business and have some fun. The days of the Colloquium are filled with meetings, interesting sessions, lots of learning, and networking with new people. And in the evenings we find time to connect with the colleagues of our group and old friends! Beyond the many other moments with Fields representatives and other Cochrane friends, the highlights of Cochrane Rehabilitation included having a Spaghetti dinner in our apartment in Cape Town and going out for dinner together in Edinburgh. Our team is counting down the days to London and looking forward to see you there!”

Richard Morley - "Patients, caregivers and the public (what Cochrane calls consumers) are an integral part of the Cochrane...as well at the Colloquium! I remember the first Patients Included certified event in Edinburgh, and it was an incredibly meaningful and special experience for everyone involved. Patients, advocates, and caregivers felt truly included, and attendees were able to see the direct impact of their work. It's with great pride that I share that this year's Colloquium will be a Patients Included certified event for the second time. This means that patients and caregivers will be actively involved in shaping the program, and that their perspectives and needs will be fully considered throughout the event. It's a true testament to Cochrane's commitment to putting patients at the centre of everything we do, and I can't wait to see the positive impact it will have on all attendees!"

Sabrina Khamissa - "As Cochrane's Event Support Officer, what strikes me most about the Colloquium is the personal touches the host organizing team adds to make it special. From traditional dances to local cuisine, the team highlights the host country's culture, making the event more than just a typical academic conference. This year, I'm excited to see the small details the team has added to decrease the conference's environmental impact, such as venue choice and offering vegetarian food options. The Cochrane Colloquium is a unique opportunity to connect with the evidence synthesis community, learn from experts, and be part of an event that values diversity and sustainability."

Roses Parker - "My first and only Cochrane Colloquium was Santiago in 2019, and I’m still benefiting from the relationships I built there. The program is impressive and deciding what not to go to will be the most difficult thing. As Cochrane's new Commissioning Editor, I am attracted to anything with an equity focus as well as having an interest in priority setting, and stakeholder engagement sessions.  I’m excited to meet my team face-to-face as we’ve not had that opportunity so far. There have been many people I’ve already collaborated with but never met in person. And of course, I’m looking forward to meeting new people too and forging relationships that will support my role in the future.”

Muriah Umoquit - "In 2015, I attended my first Cochrane Colloquium in Vienna with the expectation of a typical academic conference. But I was pleasantly surprised by the unique and inspiring experience that awaited me! From the large plenary sessions to smaller research presentations and poster halls, each Colloquium has something for everyone. More than that, it provides opportunities to connect with experts in evidence synthesis, feel part of the Cochrane Community, and engage in social activities that showcase the host country's culture. As a remote worker, I found it meaningful to connect with people whom I normally only exchange emails with or tag on social media. Everyone is enthusiastic, friendly, and proud to contribute to Cochrane's important work. The Anne Anderson Walk is a beloved tradition that I look forward to at each Colloquium. It's an event where we tour the host city, have some social time, and raise money for the special Anne Anderson Prize. If you're looking for a conference that's more than just another ordinary event, the Cochrane Colloquium in London this year is not to be missed!"

 To share your #MyCochraneStory, please contact Lydia Parsonson - lparsonson@cochrane.org - with the following:

• 1-4 photos from past Colloquiums. Please provide a caption for each photo you share. We'll be sharing them as a collage in the news item but may like to share them individually with some context on social media. 
• Your country of residence: Our community is diverse and we want to celebrate this!
• Your Cochrane Story: We want to hear about what your favourite Colloquium memories are and what you think makes the event memorable.
  Social media handles: We will give your Twitter or Instagram account a tag; just let us know your handles!