Simply put, Knowledge Translation is about the work we do to move knowledge into action. (PHAC KT Planning Primer )
Resources
Knowledge Translation / Knowledge Mobilization are essential components of the research process. The following resources provide guidance, tools, and strategies to approach knowledge translation/mobilization in a variety of disciplines and research contexts.
CIHR defines Knowledge Translation (KT) as "a dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system." The following resources provide guidelines and tools related to KT in health research.
- CIHR Guide to Knowledge Translation – A guide to KT planning at CIHR, including integrated KT and end-of-grant KT approaches.
- CIHR Guide to Knowledge Synthesis – A knowledge synthesis chapter prepared by Dr. Jeremy Grimshaw, Canada Research Chair in Health Knowledge Transfer and Uptake.
- CIHR End-of-grant KT casebook (PDF 609 KB) – Examples of end-of-grant KT strategies across a broad spectrum of research.
- CIHR Integrated KT casebook (PDF 736 KB) – Examples of integrated KT initiatives and approaches.
- Research Services Summary of KT and CIHR (PDF 409 KB) – Defines key KT terms, provides 1-page summaries of both integrated KT and end-of-grant KT, and includes an extensive list of end-of-grant KT examples. Net ID & password required.
- PHAC KT Planning Primer – A tool developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) that is designed to support active forms of KT. Includes diagrams, worksheets, and user guide.
- KMb Toolkit - Ontario Centre for Child & Youth Mental Health (PDF 846 KB) – A fillable form that can help you to think through different ways to mobilize knowledge and create a plan to move forward.
- Knowledge Translation in Health Care (Straus et. al. 2013) – A book providing an introduction to KT, with examples of how to use research findings to improve health care. Queen's Library access required.
SSHRC refers to this process as Knowledge Mobilization (KMb) and defines it as "the reciprocal and complementary flow and uptake of research knowledge between researchers, knowledge brokers and knowledge users—both within and beyond academia—in such a way that may benefit users and create positive impacts within Canada and/or internationally, and, ultimately, has the potential to enhance the profile, reach and impact of social sciences and humanities research." The following resources provide guidelines and tools related to KMb in social sciences and humanities research.
- SSHRC Knowledge Mobilization Guidelines – Guidelines to help incorporate KMb activities, including data management, into SSHRC-funded research to maximize the impact of social sciences and humanities research.
Many NSERC programs focus on Commercialization, which can be considered a form of knowledge translation. The Queen's University Partnerships and Innovation team develops and facilitates partnerships with industry, governments, and not-for-profit organizations to advance the research enterprise at Queen’s and support the commercialization of research.
- Queen’s Partnerships and Innovation – Offers services and resources to researchers, students, and external organizations.
- Resources for Researchers at Queen’s (R4R@Q) Webinar – Expanding Networks and Building Partnerships with Industry. – Assistant Directors of Commercial Development at Queen’s Partnerships and Innovation provide strategies to identify, contact, interact, and work with industry partners. [1 hr]
- PowerPoint slides for this R4R@Q session
The following knowledge mobilization resources provide insight and strategies relevant to Indigenous and community-based research contexts.
- Sharing what we know about living a good life: Indigenous approaches to knowledge translation (Smylie et al., 2014) – This paper examines key contextual issues to consider in planning, implementing, or evaluating knowledge translation in Indigenous settings, and provides examples of Indigenous KT in action.
- Indigenous knowledge and knowledge synthesis, translation and exchange (Ellison, 2014) – This paper provides background for discussion on KSTE within the context of Indigenous knowledge, particularly in the field of public health.
- Knowledge translation in context: Indigenous, policy, and community settings (Banister et al., 2011) – Drawing on expertise and case studies from across the globe, the book outlines the uses of KT in many contexts, including community, policy, Indigenous, and non-profit organizations.
- The expanding digital media landscape of qualitative and decolonizing research: Examining collaborative podcasting as a research method (Day et al., 2017) – This paper outlines the use of collaborative podcasting as a research and knowledge mobilization method using a case study example from a research initiative aimed at integrating Indigenous and Western sciences to support the development of improved water management and policies. The link to the podcast discussed in the paper is provided.
- Re/turning the gaze: unsettling settler logics through multimedia storytelling (Rice et al., 2020) – This article focuses on digital storytelling as a research-creation and knowledge mobilization method, based on artistic practices developed in partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit researchers, artists, and community leaders and non-Indigenous allies. Links to digital stories discussed in the paper are provided.
- Engaging Indigenous youth through popular theatre: Knowledge mobilization of Indigenous peoples’ perspectives on access to healthcare services (Camargo Plazas et al., 2018) – The article explores Indigenous youth engagement in popular theatre as a means to disseminate research findings.
- The Knowledge Exchange Podcast – a conversation with Sean Muir, Executive Director of the Healthy Aboriginal Network (Institute for Knowledge Mobilization) – This podcast episode explores strategies for knowledge mobilization, health promotion and engagement with Indigenous youth.
- Community-based knowledge transfer and exchange: Helping community-based organizations link research to action (Wilson et al., 2010) – This article explores a knowledge strategy for community-based knowledge transfer and exchange that builds on both the strengths of community-based research and existing KTE frameworks.
- Research Impact Canada Webinars:
- Supporting Research Impact in Grant Applications [55 min] – A webinar discussing tools to support research impact planning in grant applications.
- Clear Language Communications and Knowledge Mobilization [1 hr] – This webinar shares principles and insight from practice in areas of clear language communications and KMb. Aimed at knowledge brokers, researchers and research administrators.
- Research Impact Canada - Resources – A variety of KMb tools including planning templates, appraisal tools, checklists and guides.
- Research Impact Canada - Case studies – Case studies providing real world examples of KT and KMb in action.