Cochrane is made up of 11,000 members and over 67,000 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, learning more 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 that have participated in the Cochrane International Mobility Program and learn more about their experiences.

Name: Chiara Russo
Location: Italy
Cochrane International Mobility location: Cochrane Sweden

How did you first learn about Cochrane?
When I first heard about Cochrane it was a coincidence. I was studying at my University in Genoa (Italy) and I was looking for a place to go for my Erasmus Traineeship Program. As I was interested in pediatrics field, a medical doctor suggested me to contact Matteo Bruschettini and he offered me the opportunity to go to Sweden, where I worked with him at Cochrane Sweden.

What was your experience with your Cochrane International Mobility?
Actually, before going to Sweden, I’d never had any research experience. Matteo offered me the opportunity to approach systematic reviews, at first with Cochrane Interactive Learning modules, then I had the pleasure to actively work on systematic reviews.

What are you doing now in relation to your Cochrane International Mobility experience?
Once I completed my four-month placement at Cochrane Sweden, I continued to work with Matteo. Thanks to him, I’m co-author of a published Cochrane review, which has already been updated. Moreover, I completed, with Cochrane Sweden and other co-authors, another Cochrane review, which is in press, commissioned by the WHO (World Health Organization).  Even when I came back to Italy, Matteo is still supportive and available for any of my concerns.

Do you have any words of advice to anyone considering a Cochrane International Mobility experience?
I really suggest to anyone interested in research to connect to Cochrane. It will be a great experience both for a first approach to research and for the more experienced medical doctor. Not only will you probably have the opportunity to actively collaborate to a systematic review, but you will certainly learn how to read scientific text. It will also be an opportunity to meet people and other cultures from all over the world.