2.1.4.3 Process for selecting the location of Cochrane Colloquia

Background

Annual Cochrane Colloquia are held to promote and develop the work of The Cochrane Collaboration and to help shape its future direction. A list of previous and future Cochrane Colloquia can be found at http://www.cochrane.org/colloquia/.

From the very first Cochrane Colloquium in 1993, the Collaboration has relied on the enthusiasm and commitment of various Cochrane Centres and Branches to take on the responsibility of hosting and organising its annual scientific and business meeting.

In October 2006, on the advice of the Colloquium Policy Advisory Committee (CPAC), The Cochrane Collaboration Steering Group implemented a selection process for determining the location of future Colloquia. This new process replaced a largely ad hoc process which didn’t account for dealing with competing offers.

Proposals

A Cochrane Centre or Branch wishing to host a Colloquium is required to complete a proposal form (http://www.cochrane.org/colloquia/cpag/ProposaltohostColloquium.doc). The purpose of the form is to help in the selection of future Colloquia by setting criteria for assessing proposals and to ensure there is a balance over time with respect to international locations.

Additionally, by completing the short proposal form, potential Colloquium organisers will be made aware of the main practical issues to be addressed when thinking about organising a Colloquium, and be directed to the existence of relevant Colloquium guidelines and policies.

Potential organisers should read the document prepared by the CPAC, ‘A comparison of models for Cochrane Colloquia’, available from the Cochrane website at http://www.cochrane.org/colloquia/cpag/. Reports of previous Colloquia are available on request from the Co-Convenors of the CPAC who can also be contacted for help or guidance on completing the form.

Timelines and assessment of proposals

A call for proposals to host Cochrane Colloquia is made in June each year for the Colloquium to be held in three years' time. For example, the call for proposals to host the 2013 Colloquium will be made in June 2010. The CPAC is responsible for assessing proposals, clarifying any issues or uncertainties with the potential organisers, and making a recommendation to the Steering Group for consideration at its October meeting.

Centres or Branches tentatively considering hosting the Colloquium are encouraged to notify their intention to the CPAC Co-Convenors informally at the earliest opportunity.

Link to form: http://www.cochrane.org/colloquia/cpag/ProposaltohostColloquium.doc