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: Agata Stróżyk
Location: Warsaw, Poland
CIM location: Lund, Cochrane Sweden

How did you first learn about Cochrane?
I first got a chance to better know what systematic reviews are and what the role of Cochrane is when I was participating in the Evidence-Based Medicine faculty at my university. Systematic reviews are critical in summarizing clinical evidence and Cochrane is the most methodologically rigorous at doing it! In Poland, we call the Cochrane Handbook our Bible for systematic reviews.

What was your experience with your virtual Cochrane International Mobility?
To be a part of a Cochrane systematic review was definitely on my to-do list. I was looking for any opportunity to be involved in Cochrane for about two years. I was a supporter at Cochrane Engage and Cochrane Crowd. Finally, I contacted Matteo at Cochrane Sweden, who involved me in a systematic review that was already ongoing. Thus, I didn’t have to go through all process, but from the beginning of my traineeship, I had to do specific tasks. Matteo and Giovanni Cagnotto (also based at Lund University) were my supervisors and are very friendly, kind, patient, and supportive at each step, but also very motivating and fast-working – that was a great experience!

What are you doing now in relation to your Cochrane International Mobility experience?
At the moment, we hope to complete our systematic review, “Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis”, in a couple of weeks. For sure, I will use what I’ve learned to do methodologically better systematic reviews in the future. Moreover, I will still look for other opportunities to be a part of the Cochrane community, and maybe one day to prepare a new Cochrane systematic review within my area of expertise.

Do you have any words of advice to anyone considering a Cochrane International Mobility experience?
If you are interested in systematic reviews, I think it is a highly desirable step to participate in any kind of traineeship supervised by Cochrane. For any medical practitioners and researchers who would like to better understand the critical appraisal of evidence and its translation into practice, I think it’s a great option too. My personal advice: do not give up, if you do not get any response for the first time! Be persistent in chasing your dreams