Knowledge Link Fellowship Program
Designed to provide formalized training to SFU doctoral students in knowledge synthesis methodologies and hands-on application through a capstone project in collaboration with provincial and national policy makers.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this program, fellows will be able to:
- Differentiate various types of knowledge synthesis and their appropriate applications
- Demonstrate your knowledge synthesis skills through a real-world capstone project
- Communicate the outcomes of your work to diverse knowledge users
- Help build a network of researchers enhancing knowledge synthesis capacity in BC
Key Dates
- Application deadline: July 27, 2026
- Notifications sent: July 31, 2026
- Program start: September, 2026
schedule
| Workshop 1: Introduction to knowledge synthesis | Friday, September 18, 2026, 1:00-4:00pm | Required attendance in-person (Burnaby Campus) |
| Workshop 2: Developing research questions and methodologies | Friday, October 2, 2026, 1:00-4:00pm | |
| Workshop 3: Data analysis and reporting | Friday, October 16, 2026, 1:00-4:00pm | |
| Workshop 4: Rapid reviews | Friday, October 30, 2026, 1:00-4:00pm | |
| Workshop 5: Emerging methodologies in knowledge synthesis | Friday, November 16, 2026, 1:00-4:00pm | |
| Workshop 6: Knowledge mobilization | Friday, November 27, 2026, 1:00-4:00pm |
| Capstone project | Independent work with biweekly virtual roundtable meetings from Jan-April, 2027. | Virtual |
| Deliverable 1: Knowldge Link Fellowship Symposium - Attendance and project presentation | TBD - May 2027 | |
| Deliverable 2: Final report of capstone project findings for knowledge user partners | TBD - May 2027 |
Eligibility
- Be enrolled in a full-time academic PhD program at SFU
- Have completed your program coursework
- Have successfully completed the Research Meets Policy Summer Institute or MobilizeU
- Be available to attend all in-person and virtual training sessions for the duration of the program (listed above)
Disciplinary focus:
We welcome applications from all faculties and programs. However, please note that as this program is delivered in partnership with knowledge user organizations, capstone project assignments will reflect those organizations’ priorities and information needs, as described below. As such, you should not plan for alignment between the capstone project topic and your doctoral research area. Some foundational knowledge and/or experience in one of the following areas is recommended.
The 2026-2027 cohort will include eight fellows:
- (7) Knowledge Link Fellows with a focus on interdisciplinary health issues
- (1) Agricultural Genomics Action Centre Fellow with a focus on issues related to agriculture, food systems, climate, sustainability and/or genomics. Note: this position may include additional activities supported by the Agricultural Genomics Action Centre
Application process
Why apply?
- Financial Support: Each Fellow receives $10,000 in award funding to support participation in the program ($5,000 per term)
- Hands-on Experience: Undertake a capstone project that directly contributes to evidence-informed decision-making
- Expert Training: Gain skills in knowledge synthesis methodologies that are essential for engaging with policy and government stakeholders
- Faculty Mentorship: Learn and engage in 1:1 mentorship while building your own independent research skills
- Professional Growth: Build a network of researchers and professionals in the field, strengthening your future career in research, policy, or public service
What we're looking for:
- Ability to understand and strategically engage with complex issues
- Collaborative approach to integrating multiple perspectives
- Independent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Strong written and oral communication abilities
- Ability to commit to fulfilling all program requirements and deliverables during the 2026-2027 academic year
How to apply
Submit your application materials by email to Dr. Emily Shantz at emily_shantz@sfu.ca by July 27, 2026.
Required application materials:
- Your CV
- A Letter of Support from your supervisor
- A maximum 2-page statement addressing the following questions:
- Briefly describe your academic and/or research background, highlighting any experience in connecting research to policy and/or practice. What motivates your interest in knowledge synthesis and its role in informing policy?
- This program includes a term of experiential learning with policy makers. How will this experience contribute to your personal, academic, and professional development? How do you envision the skills gained advancing your future career goals in research, policy, public service, or other sectors?
- Please describe any anticipated commitments (academic or otherwise) that you expect to take place during the two academic terms of the program (e.g. defenses, exams, conferences, field work, other travel). How do you plan to manage your time and what strategies will you employ to meet the deliverables of the program?
Please merge application materials into a single PDF document.
Program Contact:
Dr. Emily Shantz, Knowledge Synthesis Specialist, emily_shantz@sfu.ca