Statement from Cochrane ’s Governing Board – 26th September 2018

The Cochrane Collaboration ’s Governing Board of Trustees voted unanimously on 25th September to terminate Professor Peter Gøtzsche’s membership of the organization, and his present position as a Member of the Governing Board and Director of the Nordic Cochrane Centre.Cochrane is a collaboration: an organization founded on shared values and an ability to work effectively, considerately and collaboratively. The Governing Board ’s decision was based on an ongoing, consistent pattern of disruptive and inappropriate behaviours byProfessor G øtzsche, taking place over a number of years, which undermined this culture and were detrimental to the charity’s work, reputation and members.ProfessorG øtzsche has also repeatedly represented his personal views as those of Cochrane, including in correspondence with members of the academic community; in the media; and when acting as an expert witness for a criminal trial. Cochrane’s strength and independence rests on our ability to engage in fran k, open and transparent debate about health evidence and Professor Gøtzsche, like every other Cochrane member, has the right to express his views. However, as a leader of Cochrane – a Director of a Cochrane Centre and a trustee of the charity – he had a special duty of care to the organization about the way his views were expressed; particularly those made in a personal capacity. Despite numerous attempts to engage with him on this topic and warnings about his behaviour, he consiste...
Source: Cochrane News and Events - Category: Information Technology Authors: Source Type: news