Implementation Science Training Initiative (ISTI)

A training and mentorship program for early to mid-career health researchers (from wide range of health-related topics and disciplines) to enhance their implementation science (IS) knowledge, skills, and networks, building implementation science capacity in British Columbia.

Applications for the next cohort open September 7, 2026.

Learn more about applications and eligiblity

About

The Implementation Science Training Initiative (ISTI) is designed to leave participants feeling supported, included, and excited about implementation science. This implementation science (IS) training and mentorship program is for early to mid-career health researchers to enhance their IS knowledge, skills, and networks. This made-for-BC program aims to build IS capacity in British Columbia. The ISTI is a 1-2 year program (1st year mandatory with an optional, but encouraged 2nd alumni year).

The program includes:

Yearly 3-day in-person intensives led by ISTI faculty
Quarterly webinar sessions
Monthly meetings with expert mentors
A research stipend in year 1
Ongoing connection to network of ISTI alumni

The ISTI was founded in collaboration with Gen Creighton, Alia Januwalla, and Ugen Lhazin, formally of the UBC Knowledge Exchange unit.

Contributors

Applications & Eligibility

Meet the scholars

Meet the mentors

Important dates

DATE	WHAT'S HAPPENING
Sep 07, 2026	Applications open
Oct 08, 2026	Info session (Zoom): register here
Nov 02, 2026	Applications close
November 2026	Adjudication period
Early December	Application decision notifications
Feb 11, 2027	New scholar orientation (online)
March/April 2027	Distribution of stipend for research development
May 10-12, 2027	In-person learning intensive (Vancouver)
July 2027-April 2028	Quarterly webinars and regular mentor meetings

Program Start

February 2027

Applications Open

September 7, 2026

Applications Close

November 2, 2026

“I have an incredible mentor who I am beyond thrilled and grateful to be working with. The mentorship has significantly improved my ability to apply theoretical frameworks to real-world healthcare challenges, making my interventions more targeted and evidence-based.”

- Sarah Crowe, ISTI Alumnus

“The best part of the program has been the diverse group of experts and scholars. Learning from individuals across various disciplines has not only broadened my perspective but also provided invaluable insights into the process of implementing and scaling up effective solutions in healthcare."

- Claire Seaton, ISTI Alumnus

About IS

What is implementation science?

Implementation science is the study of methods and strategies that facilitate the uptake, integration, and sustainability of evidence-based practices, programs, and policies in real-world settings.

Learn more:

What is the difference between implementation science and implementation practice?

Implementation Science	Implementation Practice
The study of methods and strategies that facilitate the uptake, integration, and sustainability of evidence-based practices, programs, and policies in real-world settings. Goal: to improve the effectiveness of implementation by studying the implementation process and identifying best practices, barriers, and facilitators. Focuses on understanding how certain implementation strategies work, or don't, based on factors like context and leadership. Generates scientific knowledge about implementation that may be applicable to implementation across different contexts.	The actual process of putting a plan, program, or intervention into action. It involves the day-to-day activities, strategies, and actions needed to implement a specific intervention in a particular setting. Goal: to ensure an intervention is delivered effectively and reaches the intended population. Focuses on the "how-to" aspects of implementing an intervention, like training staff, managing resources, and monitoring progress. Varies based on context and can generate context-specific knowledge about the effectiveness of an intervention.

Implementation Science

Implementation Practice

The study of methods and strategies that facilitate the uptake, integration, and sustainability of evidence-based practices, programs, and policies in real-world settings.

Goal: to improve the effectiveness of implementation by studying the implementation process and identifying best practices, barriers, and facilitators.
Focuses on understanding how certain implementation strategies work, or don't, based on factors like context and leadership.
Generates scientific knowledge about implementation that may be applicable to implementation across different contexts.

The actual process of putting a plan, program, or intervention into action. It involves the day-to-day activities, strategies, and actions needed to implement a specific intervention in a particular setting.

Goal: to ensure an intervention is delivered effectively and reaches the intended population.
Focuses on the "how-to" aspects of implementing an intervention, like training staff, managing resources, and monitoring progress.
Varies based on context and can generate context-specific knowledge about the effectiveness of an intervention.

Program Contacts

Dr. Lupin Battersby, Director, Knowledge Mobilization, lupin_battersby@sfu.ca

Sophie Ashton, Knowledge Mobilization Development Specialist, sophie_ashton@sfu.ca

Knowledge Mobilization Hub