Knowledge Mobilization: Theory and Practice

Shawna Reibling Knowledge Mobilization Officer

sreibling@wlu.ca x4942 @MobilizeShawna @LaurierResearch

• What is it? • Roots • Models • Examples • Resources

Outline

Knowledge mobilization definition

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• 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.

http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/programs-programmes/definitions-eng.aspx#km-mc

It is a contested area

http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/rspe/KM_Products/Terminology/index.html

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Roots • Out of community based research (cbr) or CES • Out of university commercialization (uilo) • Relationship building • little “c” communications vs. Big “C” communications • Social networks research • Education research • Health Promotion/Public Health • Behaviour change

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Why?

• Community problems need answers • Spin offs not working • Relationship building • Small “c” communications • Explain phenomenon • Change health behaviours • Return on investment (ROI) for tax dollars • Government needs “wins” to justify expenditures

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Open Access • Journal articles must be available through Open

Access within 12 months of publication. • How to do this:

1. Pay for it (list specifically how much it costs) 2. Choose open access journal.

• What is a journal’s copyright policy? Here

http://library.wlu.ca/services/scholarly-communication#tab-tri-council-tips

How? • “…knowledge mobilization in action must be

understood to be a circulation of multiple meanings and responsibilities, in multiple directions—not just for diverse users, but also for the knowledge producers.” Fenwick, T. (2008). Considering ‘Knowledge Mobilization’ in Educational

Research: What knowledge, what mobilities, what responsibilities? Educational Insights, 12(2). www.ccfi.educ.ubc.ca/publication/insights/v12n02/articles/fenwick/index.html

• SSHRC: “moving knowledge into active service for the broadest possible common good”.

SSHRC (2008b). Knowledge impact in society: A SSHRC transformation program. Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Available:

http://www.sshrc.ca/web/apply/program_descriptions/knowledge_impact_e.asp

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• Knowledge mobilization initiatives must address at least one of the following, as appropriate, depending on research area and project objectives, context, and target audience:

• Within academia: – informs, advances and/or improves research agendas;

theory; and/or methods. • Beyond academia:

– Informs public debate; policies; and/or practice; – enhances/improves services; and/or – informs the decisions and/or processes of people in

business, government, the media, practitioner communities and civil society.

• http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/programs-programmes/definitions-eng.aspx#km-mc

Knowledge mobilization initiatives

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Models

KTA Cycle, Graham, Logan, Harrison, Strauss, Tetroe, Caswell, Robinson, 2006. http://pram.mcgill.ca/seminars/i/Graham_2006_Lost_in_Knowledge_Translation.pdf

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Models

Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network (PREVNet) (www.prevnet.ca), “co-produced pathway to impact” ( Phipps, et al 2015)

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Selected KMb Products • Face-to-Face Meetings • Reports • Focus groups • Toolkits • Models • Procedures • Website content • Online tool • Policy brief • Meeting • Video • Audio lecture • Community work • Advisory committee • Networking event • Tweets, blog

• Dinner • Presentation • Panel presentation • Opinion piece • Interview (tv, radio, written) • One pager • Clear language summary • Journal publication, book, chapter • Open access publication • Conference presentation, keynote • Professional organization publication • Textbook • Testifying as an expert • Lay presentation • Webinar • Etc.

Knowledge mobilization

People Research

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Audience

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University Research Office Example

• Partnership of twelve universities • Eight years old • Clear language summary writing template • Shared tools and advocacy

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ResearchImpact.ca

Resources

• Academic book: Nutley, Sandra M. (2007). Using evidence: how research can inform public services. Policy Press. ISBN 978-1861346643.

• Doctoral Thesis: Cooper, Amanda Queens University. “Research mediation by intermediary organizations is integral to knowledge mobilization” amandacooper.ca

Bonus: graduate student resources • http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsocialsciences/

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More Resources

• Case studies, SSHRC examples: Bennet, A and Bennet, D., With Katherine Fafard, Marc Fonda, Ted Lomond, Laurent Messier and Nicole Vaugeois. Knowledge Mobilization in the Social Sciences and Humanities: Moving from Research to Action,

In cooperation with The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). Accessed at: http://www.mountainquestinstitute.com/ knowledge_mobilization.htm

• Mobilizer stories at:

http://researchimpact.wordpress.com/category/meet-a-mobilizer/

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Knowledge mobilization orgs.

• http://www.researchimpact.ca • http://www.knowledgemobilization.net

Building a digital identity for engaging in social media: Dec. 11, 3-4:30pm, Arts1C17

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Upcoming workshop