Dear Cochrane Colloquium colleagues and friends,

It is with the deepest disappointment and regret that I announce the cancellation of Cochrane Colloquium Toronto scheduled for October 4-7, 2020, as a result of the continued spread and impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) across the world.

Cochrane’s Governing Board has concluded that it is the most appropriate decision to cancel the Colloquium in its entirety, opting instead to hold it in the Fall of 2022. We are looking at availability options in Toronto and hope to secure dates within the coming weeks.

Thus, we have decided not to hold an in-person, virtual or hybrid Colloquium this year. Given the extraordinary and ever-changing circumstances we are all facing, in addition to the continuing pressures imposed on all of Cochrane’s Groups and its Central Executive Team, with respect to our collective response to the pandemic and other critical activities, the Board has decided that planning an event of this magnitude and importance in the coming months would put unnecessary pressure on the organization.

Board members continue to express their thanks to our Local Organizing Team, while recognizing the extraordinary efforts of Cochrane Canada, members of the Scientific Committee and many Cochrane contributors from across the organization, all of whom played a vital role in producing such a distinguished scientific programme and securing a roster of international speakers and guests.

We realize that many members of the community have invested a great deal of time and effort in submitting abstracts for the Colloquium. Cochrane will offer the opportunity to have accepted abstracts published in a supplement to the Cochrane Library, in addition to an online showing of the work. Of course, those of you who prefer to not take this opportunity and instead present your work at a later date can let us know. Additional information regarding the abstract process will be sent directly to those involved. Cochrane is also exploring opportunities to use submitted workshop abstracts to support Cochrane’s continued learning and educational programs.

Despite the disappointment this news brings, I hope we can stay in close touch. More importantly, I hope you and yours continue to adjust to our new reality as best you can. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment. We will be in contact again soon with our future plans

Sincerely,

Holger Schünemann
Director, Cochrane Canada