Welcome to this series of Cochrane Learning Live webinars, all dedicated to the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods in evidence synthesis!
Advancements in AI, automation, and language processing are increasingly influencing the creation and use of evidence syntheses. AI language models (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) and automation tools (e.g., ASReview, Laser AI, DistillerSR) offer new possibilities for tasks like search strategy development, screening and data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and writing evidence syntheses. These tools can significantly speed up the process of producing or updating evidence syntheses, benefiting researchers and users alike. However, understanding the strengths and limitations of these technologies is critical to maintaining quality.
In this webinar series, we will explore the role of AI in evidence synthesis, examine how it can complement traditional methods and provide a platform for experts to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and risks involved. This series targets those with foundational knowledge of systematic reviews who want to stay updated on AI developments in evidence synthesis.
This webinar series was developed in collaboration with Waldemar Siemens and Joerg Meerpohl, who are affiliated with Cochrane Germany and the Institute of Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Germany. The series is based on the Methods Forum 2024 by Cochrane Germany (cochrane.de/methodenforum-2024), organised by Waldemar Siemens and Joerg Meerpohl.
You can find out more about each session and access the webinar recordings below.
Upcoming events
Thursday 16 January 2025, 10:00 UTC
(How) can AI-based automation tools assist with systematic searching?
Dr. Maria-Inti Metzendorf, Public Health & Information Scientist, Germany: Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit – Sub-unit Düsseldorf.
Irma Klerings, Information specialist, Cochrane Austria.
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Thursday 13 February 2025, 10:00 UTC
Could large language models and/or AI-based automation tools assist the screening process?
Dr. Siw Waffenschmidt, Head of the Information Management Department at the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.
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Wednesday 12 March 2025, 14:00 UTC
Opportunities and challenges for data extraction with a large language model
Prof. Gerald Gartlehner, Co-Director, Cochrane Austria & Co-Convenor, Cochrane Rapid Review Methods Group.
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Wednesday 9 April 2025, 10:00 UTC
(How well) can large language models and AI-based automation tools assist in Risk of Bias Assessment?
Dr. Angelika Eisele-Metzger, Cochrane Germany & Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Freiburg.
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Wednesday 7 May 2025, 15:00 UTC
How effectively do large language models and AI-based automation tools assist in writing and summarizing evidence syntheses?
Dr. Riaz Qureshi, Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
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Tuesday 3 June 2025, 13:00 UTC
Recommendations and guidance on responsible AI in evidence synthesis
Ella Flemyng, Head of Editorial Policy and Research Integrity, Cochrane.
Dr. Anna Noel-Storr, Head of Evidence Pipeline and Data Curation, Cochrane.
Prof. James Thomas, Principle Investigator, Evidence Reviews Facility, Department of Health and Social Care, England.
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