Knowledge translation is the exchange, synthesis and ethically-sound application of knowledge - within a complex system of interactions among researchers and users - to accelerate the capture of the benefits of research for Canadians through improved health, more effective services and products, and a strengthened health care system
CIHR's Strategic Direction in KT is guided by Investing in Canada's Future: CIHR's Blueprint For Health Research and Innovation (CIHR Blueprint 2007) and by its Governing Council Knowledge Translation Working Group, and implemented through a Knowledge Translation Branch and CIHR's thirteen Institutes. KT activities focus on areas where CIHR can make a unique contribution on the basis of its recognized core competencies: researcher training and research funding; its close relationship with the health research community; its ability to develop integrated, strategic national research agendas; and its credibility as a forum for consideration of complex health research issues.
Understanding KT as an ongoing process that is inextricably linked with research and decision-making relationships has underscored the need for long-term partnerships and communication between researchers and knowledge users. CIHR has chosen to focus its KT efforts on strengthening these relationships, as well as building capacity for knowledge uptake and strengthening a knowledge base in KT. Both the corporate branch and the Institutes have developed novel mechanisms to deliver on CIHR's KT mandate.
Investments in KT have included the KT Request for Applications (RFA), Institute RFAs, support for applications in the open competition with a KT component, Health Research Communications Award program, Knowledge Translation Award, Edmonton Training Centre, Strategic Training Initiatives in Health Research Grants, KT Chair, Centres for Research Development, ICE Teams, and NET grants. The Community Alliances for Health Research (CAHR) and now Team grant programs, in particular, involve partnerships between researchers and community interests at all stages of the research project, and are structured to achieve rapid and effective transfer of research findings through the community partner. For information on current CIHR Funding Opportunities in KT, visit the Current Funding Opportunities page.
This diagram shows how research plays a key role in the knowledge cycle. Evidence-based knowledge is central to CIHR knowledge translation activities. Research offers many opportunities for knowledge exchange beyond publications. Based on this, CIHR identifies six opportunities within the research cycle at which this knowledge exchange can be particularly important.
Knowledge Translation (KT) within the Research Cycle
KT1: Defining research questions and methodologies;
KT2: Conducting research (as in the case of participatory research);
KT3: Publishing research findings in plain language and accessible formats;
KT4: Placing research findings into the context of other knowledge and socio-cultural norms;
KT5: Making decisions and taking action informed by research findings; and
KT6: Influencing subsequent rounds of research based on the impacts of knowledge use.
