Karla Soares-Weiser

Dr. Karla Soares-Weiser is the Chief Executive Officer of Cochrane, the world’s trusted producer of scientific evidence. Appointed in 2025, she is leading Cochrane into its next phase with a focus on equity, collaboration, and collective impact. From 2019 to 2025, Karla served as Cochrane’s Editor-in-Chief, driving transformative changes in evidence synthesis and delivering timely, high-quality insights to policymakers and governments worldwide. She co-led the planning of the Evidence Synthesis International Collaborative (ESIC), supported by the Wellcome Trust, which set out a shared roadmap for a stronger and more equitable global evidence ecosystem. With over 30 years of experience in research, academia, and leadership, Karla is committed to tackling global health challenges and reducing inequities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Fluent in four languages, she is known for fostering international partnerships and championing evidence-informed decision-making. A board-certified psychiatrist with a Master’s in Mental Health Epidemiology and a PhD in Evidence-Based Health Care, Karla combines scientific expertise, cultural awareness, and strategic leadership. Throughout her career, she has built collaborations, shaped strategies, and mobilized collective action to deliver lasting impact in health and equity worldwide.