Dear Colleagues, Esteemed Members of the EbM Network, and Friends of Evidence-Based Medicine,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2025 Annual Conference of the Evidence-Based Medicine Network in Freiburg!
Under the motto “EbM of the Future – Let’s Get Started,” we will come together to actively shape the future of evidence-based medicine and jointly address upcoming challenges in the German healthcare landscape.
Under the theme “The Future of EbM – Let’s Get to Work,” we gather to actively shape the future of evidence-based medicine and to collectively address the challenges facing the German healthcare landscape.
In an era of rapid change and resource constraints in healthcare, evidence-based healthcare (EbHC) is more crucial than ever. It ensures that changes and innovations are grounded in robust scientific evidence, ultimately enhancing patient care. While we face many challenges, we also encounter numerous opportunities—opportunities we must recognize and seize. This conference provides a platform to explore these aspects and collaboratively develop solutions that will strengthen evidence-based healthcare for the future.
Our focus will be on key topics shaping the future of EbHC, including advancements in methodologies, new formats of evidence synthesis such as rapid reviews, the integration of additional data sources (e.g., routine data), and insights from meta-research that can improve primary studies.
Digitalization and the role of artificial intelligence in medicine will also take center stage. We will explore how AI can enhance evidence-based healthcare while thoughtfully addressing potential risks and challenges.
Open Science is another key focus, emphasizing the importance of open data and knowledge sharing to achieve greater transparency, quality, and impact in science.
An essential component of strengthening EbHC involves engaging diverse user groups—from healthcare professionals and patients to the media. Together, we will explore ways to enhance collaboration with these stakeholders, expanding the role of EbHC within national and international healthcare systems.
The conference features a diverse program addressing central questions in the field. Our keynote sessions will showcase leading experts on topics such as:
- Open Science – Dr. Benedikt Fecher and Prof. Daniel Strech
- Digitalization & Artificial Intelligence – Prof. James Thomas and Prof. Claudia Witt
- Methods in Evidence-Based Health Care – Dr. Karla Soares-Weiser and Prof. Holger Schünemann
- Evidence Synthesis: Maintaining Integrity & Increasing Impact – Prof. Isabelle Boutron and Prof. Constanze Rossmann
A special highlight of the conference will be the social evening on March 27, 2025, at the historic Freiburg Market Hall. This gathering provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy an evening in one of Freiburg’s most traditional venues.
I look forward to insightful discussions and productive collaborations as we work together to shape the future of evidence-based medicine.
With best regards,
Prof. Dr. Jörg Meerpohl
Director of the Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Director of Cochrane Germany, and Scientific Director of the Cochrane Germany Foundation
NOTE: In advance of the 2025 Annual Conference of the EbM Network from March 26 to March 28, the fourth Symposium of the Cochrane Germany Foundation will take place from March 25 to March 26 in Freiburg, focusing this time on the topic "Integrity in science – together against fraud". International and national experts will discuss the forms, causes, and mechanisms fraud and explore ways to maintain scientific integrity. Participation is free. We look forward to your registration.
Both events will take place at the same venue in Freiburg. They are scheduled in such a way that you can attend both without missing any content.