World Association of Medical Editors (WAME)

As described on the WAME website, “WAME (pronounced “whammy”) is a nonprofit voluntary association of editors of peer-reviewed medical journals from countries around the world who seek to foster international cooperation among and education of medical journal editors.”

Cochrane membership: Cochrane Review Group Co-ordinating Editors and Managing Editors who have decision-making roles within the editorial process (e.g. when drafts are submitted, around the peer review process, and around publication sign-off) may apply for WAME membership via the WAME website.

Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)

As described on the COPE website, “COPE is a forum for editors and publishers of peer reviewed journals to discuss all aspects of publication ethics. It also advises editors on how to handle cases of research and publication misconduct.” COPE provides guidelines, flowcharts and standards for editors and journals, as well as running regular forums and seminars. COPE maintains a searchable database of cases that have been referred to them. 

Cochrane membership: The Cochrane Library and all Cochrane Review Groups are members of COPE. Each Cochrane Review Group can access the password-protected areas of the COPE website, including access to COPE eLearning modules and the ethical audit tool. To obtain a password, contact Tony Aburrow (taburrow@wiley.com), Cochrane Editor, Wiley.

International Society of Managing and Technical Editors (ISMTE)

The International Society of Managing and Technical Editors (ISMTE) connects the community of professionals working on publication and peer review of academic and scholarly journals. ISMTE provides networking, education, training, research, and resources for best practices and development of journal policy.

Cochrane membership: Membership of ISMTE is free to all Cochrane groups through Wiley’s sponsorship of ISMTE. Members of Cochrane groups who wish to become members can activate their memberships by contacting contact Tony Aburrow (taburrow@wiley.com), Cochrane Editor, Wiley.

International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)

When possible, the preparation of Cochrane Reviews should aim to adhere to the Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals (ICMJE Recommendations).  

EQUATOR Network: Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research

As described on the EQUATOR website, "The EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research) Network is an international initiative that seeks to improve the reliability and value of published health research literature by promoting transparent and accurate reporting and wider use of robust reporting guidelines.The EQUATOR Toolkits include a comprehensive list of reporting guidelines as well as other related material.