Knowledge Exchange & Impact
Overview
Knowledge exchange refers to activities aimed at bridging the gap between research and real-world application or practice. Broadly speaking, this includes raising awareness of research findings and facilitating access to, and use of, research for broader impact. Western Research's Knowledge Exchange and Impact portfolio supports knowledge mobilization and translation (knowledge exchange) and dissemination activities across the university through training, consultation, and tool and resource development. We seek to increase the impact, accessibility and equity of knowledge created and co-created by Western's researchers and their partners.
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Knowledge exchange is deliberate, requires time, effort and resources, and evolves with research, providing such benefits as:
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Tri-Council Definitions
Canada’s national funding agencies, CIHR, SSHRC, and NSERC, as well as other funding agencies are emphasizing and in some cases requiring as part of funding applications, rich knowledge mobilization and translation plans highlighting who engages within research, what are the research outputs and outcomes, who benefits from these outputs and outcomes, and what impact is made by the research.
Impact
Impact is the effect, change or benefit of research on the economy, society, culture, academia, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life. Traditional academic impact measures include the h-index, citation counts, and publication counts. We believe academic impact can be broadened to include measures of overall publication impact, publication depth and breadth, citation depth and breadth, and geographical spread of citations.
Additional Resources
Below, you will find some literature relevant to knowledge translation and impact.
- Knowledge translation of research findings
- Integrated knowledge translation: digging deeper,moving forward
- Knowledge translation of research findings
- Methodologies to evaluate the effectiveness of knowledge translation interventions
- Research, public policymaking, and knowledge-translation processes
- Increasing research visibility to maximize impact
- Assessment, evaluations, and definitions of research impact
Tools and Consultation Opportunities
The Knowledge Exchange and Impact team at Research Western offers a series of three tools to guide researchers in planning their knowledge exchange activities as part of their research. Support, training and consultations are encouraged and welcomed by contacting us.
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Knowledge Exchange Canvas: intended to support the creation of knowledge mobilization and knowledge translation plans.
Click image to download and request consultation and support. |
Research Program Canvas: used to better understand the strategic planning required to build and maintain a research program.
Click image to download and request consultation and support. |
Impact Scholarly Diffusion Tool: intended to assist researchers in developing and enriching descriptions of research impact.
Click image for information and to request consultation and support. |
Contact
For more information about knowledge exchange and impact support, please contact Mariam Hayward, Knowledge Transfer and Impact Manager (519-661-2111 ext. 84502).
