Dr Karla Soares-Weiser is a global health care leader with extensive expertise in evidence-based health care. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Cochrane, she has spearheaded transformative changes in the development and publication of evidence syntheses and overseen the development of the first scientific strategy for the organization. Under her leadership, Cochrane has optimized its editorial processes, substantially reducing the time to publish high-priority systematic reviews crucial for addressing global health challenges.
A board-certified psychiatrist, Dr Soares-Weiser holds a master's degree in mental health epidemiology from the State University of Campinas, a doctorate in evidence-based medicine from the Federal University of São Paulo, and certifications in leadership from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and fundraising principles from Indiana University. Her career, which spans over 30 years, is marked by significant contributions to health care research, including authoring 99 papers. Her tenure at Cochrane has been particularly notable for strategic adaptations during the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing the organization's responsiveness and impact on health decisions worldwide.
In addition to her role at Cochrane, Dr Soares-Weiser has held academic positions in Brazil and Israel and founded a consultancy business focused on providing evidence synthesis services to government and non-profit sectors worldwide. She has contributed to numerous advisory boards and international initiatives, reflecting her dedication to advancing evidence-informed decision-making and policy advocacy across diverse global health landscapes. Fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and Hebrew, Dr Soares-Weiser's diverse cultural and professional experiences enrich her contributions to global health care.
