IPPH Knowledge translation

At CIHR, knowledge translation (KT) refers to:
"a dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system."

Knowledge translation is critical for bridging the gap between knowledge that has been generated through research and knowledge that is used to inform policy, practice, and programs with the goal of improving the health of Canadians and the global community, and reducing health inequities.

The field of population and public health boasts a strong history of knowledge translation. To continue this tradition of excellence, the Institute of Population and Public Health (IPPH):

  • supports knowledge translation activities
  • collaborates with partners who are also interested in knowledge translation
  • strives to create opportunities for knowledge users to get involved in all stages of the research process

IPPH aims to integrate knowledge translation into its funding opportunities and to support research on effective knowledge translation strategies.

Examples

Some examples of IPPH's commitment to knowledge translation include:

  • Support for the Canadian Journal of Public Health (CJPH): IPPH contributes content, encourages IPPH-funded researchers to submit research articles to the journal and coordinates special supplements and inserts that align with IPPH strategic priorities.
  • Representation on the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) Annual Conference steering committee: IPPH brings a population and public health research perspective to the CPHA Annual Conference Steering Committee.
  • Partnerships with the National Collaborating Centres for Public Health (NCCs): IPPH helped establish and has undertaken a number of joint activities with the NCCs, which are funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada to enable the effective use of scientific research and other knowledge to strengthen public health practices and policies in Canada.
  • Efforts to build the capacity of researchers and journalists to better communicate population and public health research: IPPH has hosted webinars and workshops to impart various communications skills to population and public health researchers.

Funding

IPPH funds and contributes to a number of programs that integrate knowledge translation activities, including scoping reviews and research synthesis work.

The institute is co-funding 11 programmatic research teams that are building research and knowledge translation capacity to tackle population and public health problems.

The institute is also supporting a number of Applied Public Health Chairs who are striving to increase national capacity for effective research, mentoring, education, knowledge translation and use of public health research evidence.

Previously, IPPH supported seven Centres for Research Development that aimed to understand and address the impacts of physical and social environments on health. The Centres were jointly governed by researchers and knowledge users to maximize the integration of research results into practical applications, such as the development of policies and programs that impact population health.

Publications

Communications tools

In order for population and public health research to impact policy, programs, and practice, decision-makers must be made aware of the findings. It is therefore important that population and public health researchers can effectively communicate their work to decision-makers, as well as to the media and general public, who have the power to influence the public policy agenda. Recognizing this, IPPH has hosted and co-hosted a number of events to help build the capacity of population and public health researchers to communicate the significance and implications of their work.

Webinars and workshops

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