CIHR – Knowledge User Engagement

What is a knowledge user? CIHR defines them “as an individual who is likely to be able to use research results to make informed decisions about health policies, programs and/or practices – this means that they “can be, but [are] not limited to, a practitioner, a policy maker, an educator, a decision maker, a health care administrator, a community leader or an individual in a health charity, patient group, private sector organization or media outlet.” 

This resource further breaks down types of KT practices and types of knowledge users.

Definitions

Underpinning our work with appropriate language is critical. See the SSHRC definition of Knowledge Mobilization, the CIHR definitions of End-of-Grant, integrated-KT and Knowledge Exchange.

KT Pathways: A digital assessment and learning tool

Developed through a Michael Smith Foundation Health Research BC initiative with support from academic and health system partners across BC, it is designed to help you assess your current knowledge translation strengths and areas for development, and provides tailored training materials and supports based on the results.

KT Pathways Resources

Already know what you’re looking for? Use this search tool to find resources to help you grow your knowledge translation skills.

Templates

Get started with KT planning templates either with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) – KT Planning Primer or the SickKids KT tools including the planning template.

UBC Knowledge Exchange Unit

The UBC Knowledge Exchange Unit builds capacity among researchers, students and staff across disciplines to develop and share impactful knowledge through connections and exchange with communities, government, not-for-profit organizations and the general public.

SFU Knowledge Mobilization Unit

SFU Knowledge Mobilization is a university-wide strategic initiative. SFU is committed to becoming a world leader in knowledge mobilization, building on a strong foundation of fundamental and applied research. From discovery to knowledge mobilization, SFU’s eight faculties are engaged in the full spectrum of research, building on a robust tradition of interdisciplinary investigation and collaboration. SFU’s commitment to engagement informs how we disseminate knowledge, and how we contribute to citizenship in local communities across Canada and around the world.

PHSA KTE Community of Practice

For PHSA knowledge translation professionals. This includes research related KT staff and practice setting KT staff. Email Nicole.Prestley@cw.bc.ca if you are interested in joining. 

Podcasts

Technology in Human Services (TiHS) Podcast, Episode 41 with Dr. David Phipps – on Knowledge Mobilization. This podcast has many pearls for KT folks including the importance of agility in doing KT/KMb, co-production of knowledge, how we value knowledge, and Community Based Research.

Wonks and War Rooms, Season 5, Episode 1: Knowledge Mobilization for Policy Impact with Dr. Petra Molnar. This podcast discusses the paradigm shift of valuing co-produced knowledge, the importance of qualitative research methods in KT and partnership engagement. 

Check out our own @WomensResearch Podcast, which has covered KT topics ranging from arts-based KT, patient-oriented research methods, social media for KT, and advancing gender equity.

Webinars

Michael Smith Health Research BC hosts regular webinars called KT Connects, which offer capacity building through lessons learned from others in health research. 

Michael Smith Health Research BC offers annual Convening and Collaborating and Reach award competitions.

The University of British Columbia offers community engagement grants and has a comprehensive list of community funding sources.

Several of the the Canadian Institutes of Health Research are offering Planning and Dissemination Grants, including the Institute of Cancer Research, the Institute of Gender and Health, and the Institute of Health Services and Policy Research. See ResearchNet for the full list.

The Vancouver Foundation offers two scales of Participatory Action Research Grants, which include Convene and Investigate options.