Connecting People with Science: My Journey Into Knowledge Mobilization

When I first began my research journey, I thought that good science would speak for itself; that data, once published, would naturally reach the people who could use it. But through engaging with local communities and listening to their stories in my work on globally endangered Egyptian Vultures in India, I came to realize that science only fulfills its true purpose when it is shared, understood, and acted upon. 

In these moments where community engagement was central, I discovered the power of knowledge mobilization (KM): connecting research to real-world challenges and making a tangible difference.

When I came to Canada in 2023 as a postdoctoral researcher at the Arctic Institute of North America at the University of Calgary, I brought the same philosophy with me: research gains meaning and impact when it is co-developed with the people it is meant to serve. 

As a researcher with the Arctic Genomics Project, my work focuses on how genomic tools can help us understand biodiversity, track wildlife populations, and support conservation in northern environments. Yet translating genomic data into insights that communities, policymakers, and the public can relate to is not always straightforward. 

This challenge inspired me to take MobilizeU¹, a knowledge mobilization course offered by Research Impact Canada and supported by the SFU KM Hub. MobilizeU was a transformative experience that reshaped how I think about communication, collaboration, and the real-world application of research. This is what I learned:

Learning to listen, translate, and connect

Knowledge mobilization is not just about sharing results; it’s about building relationships and creating dialogue because “knowledge exchange is a two-way street.” As researchers, we are not just transmitters of information; we are also learners, listening to the insights, experiences, and priorities of the people we work with.

I was particularly inspired by discussions on storytelling in science — using narratives to make research relatable without losing its rigor. Whether through plain-language summaries, community presentations, or social media, storytelling makes knowledge accessible and human. It reminded me that facts may inform, but stories inspire action.

Bringing knowledge mobilization into Arctic research

The Arctic is home to unique ecosystems and deeply knowledgeable communities who have lived there for generations. Indigenous knowledge and genomic science can together reveal a richer, more complete picture of biodiversity. Effective collaboration depends on trust, transparency, and mutual respect — the very principles that knowledge mobilization strengthens.

Moving forward, I aim to apply what I’ve learned from the course in several ways:

1. Creating plain-language summaries of our research findings for Arctic communities and local schools.

2. Using visuals and storytelling to make genomics approachable, such as through infographics or short videos that connect genes to the wildlife people see every day

3. Building dialogues where community members and scientists share what conservation means to them, and how both scientific and traditional knowledge can inform sustainable decisions.

Why knowledge mobilization matters

Knowledge mobilization is not an “extra” part of research, it’s essential. It ensures that science serves society, that knowledge moves beyond papers and conferences to shape understanding, policy, and everyday choices.

Mobilizing knowledge requires creativity and empathy. It’s about asking: Who needs this information? How will they use it? And sometimes, how can we co-create new knowledge together? These questions are now at the heart of how I design and communicate my research and continue my work.

Looking ahead

1. MobilizeU is an 8-week online course for “beginner mobilizers” interested in knowledge mobilization theory and practice. Format: pre‐recorded videos, readings, topic summaries (core content); live Zoom sessions with guest experts; assignments.

In addition to the MobilizeU, RIC offers stand-alone KMb modules (online, self-paced):

“Storytelling for Impact: Humanize the numbers”

“A Start-to-Finish Guide to Building and Navigating Partnerships”

“Infographic Design for Knowledge Mobilization”

“Accessible & Inclusive Event Planning for Knowledge Mobilization”