Researchers are encouraged to consider the outputs (short term results like publications, presentations, knowledge mobilization products, etc.), outcomes (e.g., number of people using research findings, policies developed, etc.) and broader impacts (e.g., academic impact such as advancing scientific methods, and/or economic and societal impact such as benefits to individuals, organizations or nations, etc.) of their work throughout research projects.
Such research impacts are achieved through a clear process, which typically resembles a feedback loop as show in Figure 1 below.
Adapted from Research Impact Canada Co-Produced Pathway to Impact, and CSIRO Impact Framework
Circular flowchart illustrating the research cycle with stages.
- Idea (eg. knowledge exchange, hypothesis, etc.)
- Resources (eg. grant funding, staff, collaboration, etc.)
- Activities (eg. conducting research, etc.)
- Outputs (eg. knowledge mobilization via various means, etc.)
- Outcomes (eg. use of research findings, policy relevance, etc.)
- Impacts (eg. academic, economic, and societal, etc.)
Knowledge Mobilization (KMb)/knowledge translation (KT), which focuses on the movement of knowledge into the hands of those that can use it to make informed decisions and inform practice/behaviours, is a key lever within the research impact process.
Research impact and knowledge mobilization support at Brock
Below is a list of support services and external resources related to research impact, KMb, integrating impact plans into funding applications and showcasing the outputs of research. Click on each heading to expand the section and learn more.
For more information on any of these services and resources, please email [email protected].
Email [email protected] to book a consultation regarding KMb/KT sections or research impact planning for research funding applications.
Welcome to the Research Impact Hub located in Rankin Family Pavilion room 216 – Office of Research Services’ dynamic space designed to cultivate collaboration, fuel insightful discussions, and drive the momentum of impactful research.
The Research Impact Hub serves as a focal point, inviting researchers, their collaborators, and Research Enterprise staff to come together and explore research impact, new research opportunities, and mobilize knowledge.
More specifically, researchers can use the space in the following ways:
- A bookable workspace designed for researchers to convene, brainstorm, and advance ideas collectively.
- An event space, for workshops, speakers, seminars, and social gatherings.
- A knowledge hub, where expertise regarding building research capacity, knowledge mobilization and research impact is shared.
- An interactive showcase of items/artifacts related to Brock research, with tailored tours available to align with individual interests and goals.
Contact ORS’s Research Impact Unit, [email protected] for more information.
Brock’s Research Enterprise Speaker Series is a regular series of presentations designed to connect and engage with the community, practitioners, and industry regarding research that is going on at Brock University. See below for a listing of our upcoming and previous events.
Upcoming Speaker Series Events (RSVP is required and registration forms are available via the links below)
Stay tuned for our 2025 line-up!
Past Speaker Series Events (recordings of each event are available via the links below)
- Addressing Food Insecurity: Challenges and Niagara’s Experience
- Unlocking the Aging Mind: How Attention Shapes Memory Across the Lifespan
- Elevating Youth Voices: Facilitating Access to Mental Health Resources in Schools
To receive email updates when new speaker series events are scheduled please email [email protected]
The Office of Research Services supports and maintains a Brock Research Impact Learning Network – comprised of faculty, staff and students who are interested in coming together and learning about/discussing different topics in research impact and KMb. The Research Impact Learning Network meets roughly 4 times per year in Brock’s Research Impact Hub, and the meetings are interactive presentations/discussions on various topics.
Upcoming event: Amplifying Impact: Strategies for Effective Science Communication with Policymakers – a Research Impact Learning Network session – learn more and register!
To learn more or join the Research Impact Learning Network email [email protected].
Knowledge Mobilization Workshop
The Office of Research Services offers a free 7-week workshop on KMb. This interactive workshop is meant to be an introduction to the world of KMb. The workshop is designed for faculty, librarians, post-doctoral fellows and students who are interested in learning more about KMb, research impact and how these fit within their current educational and professional goals. During the workshop, participants will work through lessons on the various areas of KMb via pre-recorded presentations and weekly live discussions. Please note that this workshop is not for credit and involves roughly 3-4 hours of participation per week (2-3 hours to watch recorded presentations and 1 hour for a live discussion session). See below for the upcoming workshop sessions – Space in the workshop is limited, so pre-registration is required.
– Winter 2025 – The workshop is currently accepting applications for participation. To learn more or sign-up for the workshop please email [email protected].
Science Communication Modules
Through funding from an NSERC Science Communication Grant, Brock’s VPMI (in collaboration with staff from the Research Enterprise) has created a series of 3 modules and accompanying worksheets designed to advance the science communication skills of highly qualified personnel. These modules and worksheets provide “how to” guidance for creating different types of science communication deliverables – namely a graphical abstract, a written article in plain language and a podcast (with consideration of targeting each for a specific relevant audience).
Modules are expected to be released in 2025. Please email [email protected] to be placed on a notifications list for when the modules are available.
Building Better Research Series
Brock University Library and the Office of Research Services bring you the Building Better Research (BBR) Series. Geared to faculty members, graduate students, and researchers across campus, the BBR Series offers current and timely support in a complex and evolving research environment.
Many BBR sessions involve a component of KMb. For a full listing of upcoming BBR series please search for “Building Better Research” on ExperienceBU
Knowledge Mobilization Related Programs and Courses at Brock
See below for a list of KMb related programs and courses available at Brock
- BASc in Earth and Planetary Science Communication
- KINE 4P90 – Knowledge Translation in Kinesiology
- AHSC 5P52 – Knowledge Mobilization for Health Researchers
If you are aware of other services, programs or courses not listed here, please email [email protected] to have them added.
Digital communication is a key aspect of many KMb plans/projects. We provide the following services to support researchers in mobilizing their findings through digital channels.
- Lab-based training is available on specific digital communication methods (e.g., creating effective infographics, using Canva, etc.)
- Digital communication consultations to develop a digital communication strategy.
Email [email protected] to learn more about either of these services
Below, you will find some literature and resources relevant to knowledge mobilization and research impact.
Resources:
KMb/KT at the Tri-Agencies:
KMb/KT Planning Templates:
- CIHR – Knowledge to Action
- Knowledge Network for Applied Educational Research
- Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions
- Growing Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) in Ontario – University of Guelph
- Institute for Work & Health – From Research to Practice: A knowledge transfer planning guide
- Institut National Dr Santé Publique Du Québec (INSPQ) – Knowledge Translation Planning Tool
- This INSPQ related article has some guidelines for creating KMb/KT plans
- Government of Canada – Knowledge Translation Planner
Relevant Publications:
Cathy Bruce; Bradley Maclean; Connor Loughlean; Dana Capell; David Hobson; David Phipps; Doug Knox; Elizabeth Shantz; Farzana Crocco; Jason Muloongo; Jayne Morrish; Jessica Bowes; Jim Banting; Julie Gregory; Katrina Keefer; Les Jacobs; Margo Langford; Michelle Stringer; Shawna Reibling; Stephanie Whitney; and Steve De Brabandere. (2022). Knowledge Management and Communication. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/knowledgemanagement
Greenhalgh, T., Jackson, C., Shaw, S., & Janamian, T. (2016). Achieving research impact through co‐creation in community‐based health services: literature review and case study. The Milbank Quarterly, 94(2), 392-429. – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1111/1468-0009.12197
Grimshaw, J. M., Eccles, M. P., Lavis, J. N., Hill, S. J., & Squires, J. E. (2012). Knowledge translation of research findings. Implementation science, 7(1), 1-17. – https://implementationscience.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/1748-5908-7-50.pdf
Law, M. P., Muhl, C., McElhone, S., Smith, R. W., Patte, K. A., Khowaja, A., Hannell, S., James, L., Rowe, R. K., Orlando, E., Morrish, J., Mechelse, K., James, N., Mateus, L., & Magier, M. (2022). Driving change in the health sector: An integrated approach. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pu – Chapter 4 of this resource specifically speaks to knowledge mobilization/translation
Ninomiya, M. E. M., Maddox, R., Brascoupé, S., Robinson, N., Atkinson, D., Firestone, M., … & Smylie, J. (2022). Knowledge translation approaches and practices in Indigenous health research: a systematic review. Social Science & Medicine, 114898. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953622002040
Penfield, T., Baker, M. J., Scoble, R., & Wykes, M. C. (2014). Assessment, evaluations, and definitions of research impact: A review. Research evaluation, 23(1), 21-32. – https://academic.oup.com/rev/article/23/1/21/2889056
Phipps, D., Pepler, D., Craig, W., Cummings, J., & Cardinal, S. (2016). The co-produced pathway to impact describes knowledge mobilization processes. – https://yorkspace.library.yorku.ca/xmlui/handle/10315/31600
Smylie, J., Martin, C. M., Kaplan-Myrth, N., Steele, L., Tait, C., & Hogg, W. (2004). Knowledge translation and indigenous knowledge. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 63(sup2), 139-143. – https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.3402/ijch.v63i0.17877
Straus, S. E., Tetroe, J., & Graham, I. (2009). Defining knowledge translation. Cmaj, 181(3-4), 165-168. – https://www.cmaj.ca/content/181/3-4/165.short
Plain Language Communication resources and tools:
Warde, F., Papadakos, J., Papadakos, T., Rodin, D., Salhia, M., & Giuliani, M. (2018). Plain language communication as a priority competency for medical professionals in a globalized world. Canadian Medical Education Journal, 9(2), e52. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6044302/
- Writing resources—Plain language (Government of Canada)
- A Checklist to Review Documents: Plain Language Audit Tool – Government of the Northwest Territories
- Plain Language Tips & Examples (Web Editor Hub)
- Science Writing Competition Guidelines (general plain language) – Europe PubMed Central
- Hemingway Editor