Join us for a panel discussion with prominent women from Cochrane’s global network of independent researchers – Julia Finkelstein and Barbra Miheso.
Chaired by Cochrane’s CEO, Karla Soares-Weiser, this conversation will explore the panel’s personal experiences as women in science – the challenges they’ve navigated, the lessons they've learned and the advice they’d give to women wanting to start out in the sector.
We’ll also discuss the opportunities Cochrane has provided, and if there’s more as an organization can do to support women in scientific careers. There will also be plenty of time for your questions!
Speakers
Julia Finkelstein
Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition at Cornell University, and recent recipient of Cochrane’s 2025 Anne Anderson award
Dr. Julia Finkelstein is Associate Professor in the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University, and in the Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine. She is Director of the Cornell Maternal and Child Nutrition Program, Director of the Cochrane Center, and co-Director of the Cornell Joan Klein Jacobs Center for Precision Nutrition and Health where she leads the Women’s Health core. Dr. Finkelstein is the Program Director of the NICHD-funded Maternal and Child Nutrition Training Grant, the longest standing training program devoted to maternal and child nutrition in the country, and co-leads the clinical core for the NIH Center for Point of Care Diagnostics for Nutrition, Infection, and Cancer (PORTENT).
Dr. Finkelstein is an epidemiologist with expertise in one-carbon metabolism, preconception nutrition, and maternal and child health, and the design of randomized trials and cohort studies to inform clinical and World Health Organization guidelines. Dr. Finkelstein has been recognized for leadership in nutrition and mentorship, including the International Life Sciences Institute Award and the 2025 Anne Anderson Award for promotion of women as leaders and contributors to Cochrane.
In Cochrane, Dr. Finkelstein is Director of the associate Cochrane Center at Cornell University and serves as co‑director and Evidence Synthesis lead in the Cornell Joan Klein Jacobs Center for Precision Nutrition and Health, integrating Cochrane methods across teaching, research, and policy‑focused training. She has served as a Handling Editor and Sign‑off Editor for Cochrane since 2022. Dr. Finkelstein also directs the WHO/Cochrane/Cornell Summer Institute for Systematic Reviews in Nutrition for Global Policy Making with Dr. Pat Cassano, which has trained more than 300 health‑care professionals over the past decade. This year, she received the 2025 Anne Anderson Award from Cochrane, for significant contributions to the promotion of women as leaders and contributors to Cochrane and enhancing women’s participation and visibility within Cochrane.
Barbara Miheso
Research Scientist at Knowledge Centers and Dissemination Division, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and Co-Director for Cochrane Kenya
Barbara Miheso is a research scientist specializing in clinical trials, evidence synthesis, and health systems strengthening. With over 12 years of experience, she is committed to transforming research into impactful health policies and practices. She serves as a Research Scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and Co-Director of Cochrane Kenya, where she facilitates systematic reviews, policy engagement, and capacity-building initiatives to promote evidence-informed decision-making.
Miheso's research primarily targets respiratory health, infectious diseases, and the enhancement of healthcare systems, particularly in low-resource settings. A passionate advocate for evidence-based healthcare, Miheso has spearheaded numerous training sessions and workshops for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers. Her leadership and expertise continue to drive advancements in health research, evidence synthesis and knowledge translation in Eastern Africa and beyond. Through her dedication, Barbara remains keen on promoting effective healthcare solutions and fostering a culture of informed decision-making.
Karla Soares-Weiser
Chief Executive Officer at Cochrane
Karla has been acting Chief Executive Officer for Cochrane since March 2025 and prior to this she was Cochrane’s Editor-in-Chief, a role she has held since 2019. Karla, a board-certified psychiatrist, brings over three decades of experience in health care research and leadership. She holds a master’s degree in mental health epidemiology from the State University of Campinas, a doctorate in evidence-based medicine from the Federal University of São Paulo, and certifications in leadership from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
