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Cochrane Webinar Series: 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, Cochrane explores the role of AI in evidence synthesis, examines how it can complement traditional methods and provides 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.

Webinar recordings and slides are available on the Cochrane Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods in evidence synthesis website.


  • (How) can AI-based automation tools assist with systematic searching? [January 2025] Presented by Dr. Maria-Inti Metzendorf & Irma Klerings
    View the recording.
  • Could large language models and/or AI-based automation tools assist the screening process? [February 2025] Presented by Dr. Siw Waffenschmidt
    View the recording.
  • Opportunities and challenges for data extraction with a large language model [March 2025] Presented by Prof. Gerald Gartlehner
    View the recording.
  • (How well) can large language models and AI-based automation tools assist in Risk of Bias Assessment? [April 2025] Presented by Dr. Angelika Eisele-Metzger
    View the recording.
  • How effectively do large language models and AI-based automation tools assist in writing and summarizing evidence syntheses? [Upcoming: May 7 2025] Presented by Dr. Riaz Qureshi
    Sign Up. View the recording.
  • Recommendations and guidance on responsible AI in evidence synthesis [Upcoming: June 3 2025]
    Presented by Ella Flemyng, Dr. Anna Noel-Storr, Prof. James Thomas, Prof. Gerald Gartlehner, Prof. Joerg Meerpohl, & Biljana Macura.
    Sign Up. View the recording.

How you can partner with the HSL

UNC Health Sciences Librarians partner on systematic reviews and can apply three different types of predictive AI based on the project's needs. You can find more information on each type on our How Does Predictive AI/ML Work? page.

Library guide

AI and Machine Learning for Evidence Syntheses

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