University researchers generate a wealth of information that could help people in many areas of their lives.<\/p>\n
But much of that knowledge gets lost somewhere between the research body in the so-called \u2018Ivory Tower,\u2019 university communications departments and media outlets, says a new study by Brock researchers.<\/p>\n
Co-authored by Professor of Biology Liette Vasseur and Biological Sciences Research Assistant Jocelyn Baker, the study explores the concept of \u2018knowledge mobilization,\u2019 the process of getting research results and insights into the hands of non-academic stakeholders, media and the general public.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe futures of Knowledge Mobilization: Breaking down barriers to ensure productive exchanges across diverse audiences\u201d presents considerations on how researchers, communications staff and media practitioners can make academic information accessible to the wider world.<\/p>\n
\u201cKnowledge mobilization is very important, especially in the era of fake news and misinformation,\u201d says Vasseur, who is UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability: From Local to Global.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very clear that our work cannot stay in the Ivory Tower,\u201d she says. \u201cIt has to be used to serve communities and must be translated in ways that people can have access to that knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n