Resources
The SFU KM Hub has curated resources for self-directed learning to support you with specific KM strategies.
Resources are organized by key knowledge mobilization activities—dissemination, implementation, and partnering—with an additional category for planning because it is so important. These include recorded webinars, summary explainers, blog posts, and tools.
HOW TO DO KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION?
The key to a good knowledge mobilization plan is a clear knowledge mobilization goal, identifying and understanding your primary and secondary audience(s), and identifying what you are sharing and/or your key messages. Based on these three key components you can identify what KM strategies, activities, and outputs will be most effective to reach your audience with the right message at the right time to have the impact you are hoping to achieve.
Before you start mobilizing, the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub can help you develop a strategic knowledge mobilization plan that is manageable and effective.
Disseminating your research
Sometimes knowledge mobilization is considered to be synonymous with dissemination or communication outputs. It is more than that! In fact, many would argue that good knowledge mobilization starts with engaged scholarship. However, all knowledge mobilization will require some dissemination or communication outputs. When thinking about how to disseminate your work be sure to consider the right output and channel with the right content for the specific audience you are aiming to reach.
Learn more about specific strategies and tips for communicating your research in formats other than traditional academic approaches here:
Media and Digital Activities
Learn how to use media and online platforms to amplify your research:
- Getting media attention Webinar with Valorie Crooks and Tiffany Akins. Hosted by the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub, January 29, 2021.
- How to succeed in media interviews Webinar with Megan Mackenzie. Hosted by the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub, October 20, 2022.
- TikTok for academics Webinar with Penína Sara-Lynn Harding. Hosted by the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub, March 10, 2023.
- Twitter for academics: Your starter guide Blog post by Lupin Battersby, October 7, 2021.
- Twitter for researchers: Webinar with Scott Lear and Ian Young. Hosted by the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub, February 26, 2021.
- Blogging your research: Tips for getting started: Blog post by Alice Fleerackers and Lupin Battersby, November 18, 2020.
- Websites as a mobilization tool: Webinar with Elise Mallory. Hosted by SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub, January 25, 2022.
- Building a website for your program of research, project, or lab? My top 10 tips: Blog post by Lupin Battersby, May 14, 2021.
Film, Podcasting, and Visual Approaches
Explore creative storytelling methods, including film, podcasts, and visuals, to bring your research to life.
- Using graphic novels to share research stories Webinar with Stacy Leigh Pigg. Hosted by the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub, April 1, 2022.
- Using film to mobilize health research findings Webinar with Angela Kaida and Azra Bhanji. Hosted by the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub, March 1, 2022.
- Visually communicate your research Webinar with Natasha Vitkin. Hosted by the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub, October 15, 2021.
- Podcasting your research Webinar with Hannah McGregor. Hosted by the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub, November 3, 2020.
- The power of story with researcher as character Webinar with Lynne Quarmby. Hosted by the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub, December 7, 2022.
Influencing policy
Learn how to connect with policymakers and influence policy decisions through clear, impactful communication.
- Influencing Policy Webinar with Zafar Adeel. Hosted by the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub, December 3, 2020.
- Learn more about how to share your research with policymakers by reviewing our Research Meets Policy two-page summary explainer documents:
Engagement and co-production
Working with the community is an essential aspect of good knowledge mobilization—get started here. For engaged scholarship and co-production to be successful and impactful, researchers need to establish healthy partnerships, integrate partners effectively and in alignment with their preferences throughout the research cycle, and create different opportunities for authentic engagement.
- Establishing healthy partnerships Webinar with Rachel Nelson. Hosted by the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub, November 18, 2022.
- Indigenous partnerships and OCAP Webinar with Lyana Patrick. Hosted by the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub, October 7, 2022.
- Engaging community events Webinar with Janet Webber and Seth Erais. Hosted by the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub, February 20, 2022.
- Integrated knowledge mobilization toolkit Eight knowledge briefs. Developed by the University of Dundee Open Research working group and the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub.
- Tools for doing integrated knowledge translation Webinar with Mei Lan Fang and Lupin Battersby. Hosted by the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub, April 12, 2023.
Implementation
Understand how to apply your research in real-world settings through strategies for effective implementation.
If you hope to see your evidence-based innovation (e.g. practice, process) in use then you need to employ effective, evidence-informed implementation approaches. Some researchers focus on implementation science, the study of effective implementation approaches. A key element of implementation practice and science is considering context. These resources introduce some of these concepts.
- What is Implementation Science? Explainer video.
- Knowledge mobilization in the context of complexity Webinar with Diane Finegood. Hosted by the SFU Knowledge Mobilization Hub, February 15, 2023.
- Implementation Science 101 Webinar with Lindsay Nettlefold, Sarah Munro, and Sonia Singh. Hosted by Michael Smith Health Research BC, February 3, 2023.
For more tools and resources see Research Impact Canada.