This discussion of knowledge mobilization was presented to a 4th year communications studies class at Wilfrid Laurier University on Oct 26, 2015.

1. Knowledge Mobilization: Theory
and Practice
Shawna Reibling
Knowledge Mobilization Officer
sreibling@wlu.ca x4942 @MobilizeShawna
@LaurierResearch

2. • What is it?
• Roots
• Models
• Examples
• Resources
Outline

3. Knowledge mobilization definition
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• The reciprocal and complementary flow and uptake
of research knowledge between researchers,
knowledge brokers and knowledge users —both
within and beyond academia— in such a way that
may benefit users and create positive impacts within
Canada and/or internationally, and, ultimately, has
the potential to enhance the profile, reach and
impact of social sciences and humanities research.
http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/programs-programmes/definitions-
eng.aspx#km-mc

4. It is a contested area
http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/rspe/KM_Products/Terminology/index.html
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5. Roots
• Out of community based research (cbr) or CES
• Out of university commercialization (uilo)
• Relationship building
• little “c” communications vs. Big “C” communications
• Social networks research
• Education research
• Health Promotion/Public Health
• Behaviour change
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6. Why?
• Community problems need answers
• Spin offs not working
• Relationship building
• Small “c” communications
• Explain phenomenon
• Change health behaviours
• Return on investment (ROI) for tax dollars
• Government needs “wins” to justify expenditures
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7. 7
Open Access
• Journal articles must be available through Open
Access within 12 months of publication.
• How to do this:
1. Pay for it (list specifically how much it costs)
2. Choose open access journal.
• What is a journal’s copyright policy? Here
http://library.wlu.ca/services/scholarly-communication#tab-
tri-council-tips

8. How?
• “…knowledge mobilization in action must be
understood to be a circulation of multiple meanings
and responsibilities, in multiple directions—not just
for diverse users, but also for the knowledge
producers.” Fenwick, T. (2008). Considering ‘Knowledge Mobilization’ in Educational
Research: What knowledge, what mobilities, what responsibilities? Educational Insights, 12(2).
www.ccfi.educ.ubc.ca/publication/insights/v12n02/articles/fenwick/index.html
• SSHRC: “moving knowledge into active service for
the broadest possible common good”.
SSHRC (2008b). Knowledge impact in society: A SSHRC transformation program. Social Sciences and
Humanities Research Council. Available:
http://www.sshrc.ca/web/apply/program_descriptions/knowledge_impact_e.asp
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9. 9
• Knowledge mobilization initiatives must address at
least one of the following, as appropriate, depending
on research area and project objectives, context, and
target audience:
• Within academia:
– informs, advances and/or improves research agendas;
theory; and/or methods.
• Beyond academia:
– Informs public debate; policies; and/or practice;
– enhances/improves services; and/or
– informs the decisions and/or processes of people in
business, government, the media, practitioner communities
and civil society.
• http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/programs-programmes/definitions-eng.aspx#km-mc
Knowledge mobilization initiatives

10. 10
Models
KTA Cycle, Graham, Logan, Harrison, Strauss, Tetroe, Caswell, Robinson, 2006.
http://pram.mcgill.ca/seminars/i/Graham_2006_Lost_in_Knowledge_Translation.pdf

11. 11
Models
Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network (PREVNet)
(www.prevnet.ca), “co-produced pathway to impact” ( Phipps, et al 2015)

12. 12
Selected KMb Products
• Face-to-Face Meetings
• Reports
• Focus groups
• Toolkits
• Models
• Procedures
• Website content
• Online tool
• Policy brief
• Meeting
• Video
• Audio lecture
• Community work
• Advisory committee
• Networking event
• Tweets, blog
• Dinner
• Presentation
• Panel presentation
• Opinion piece
• Interview (tv, radio, written)
• One pager
• Clear language summary
• Journal publication, book, chapter
• Open access publication
• Conference presentation, keynote
• Professional organization publication
• Textbook
• Testifying as an expert
• Lay presentation
• Webinar
• Etc.

13. Knowledge mobilization
PeopleResearch

14. 14
Audience

15. 15
University Research Office Example

16. • Partnership of twelve universities
• Eight years old
• Clear language summary writing template
• Shared tools and advocacy
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ResearchImpact.ca

17. Resources
• Academic book: Nutley, Sandra M. (2007). Using evidence: how
research can inform public services. Policy Press. ISBN 978-
1861346643.
• Doctoral Thesis: Cooper, Amanda Queens University. “Research
mediation by intermediary organizations is integral to knowledge
mobilization” amandacooper.ca
Bonus: graduate student resources
• http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsocialsciences/
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18. More Resources
• Case studies, SSHRC examples: Bennet, A and Bennet, D., With
Katherine Fafard, Marc Fonda, Ted Lomond, Laurent Messier and
Nicole Vaugeois. Knowledge Mobilization in the Social Sciences and
Humanities: Moving from Research to Action,
In cooperation with The Social Sciences and Humanities Research
Council of Canada (SSHRC). Accessed at:
http://www.mountainquestinstitute.com/ knowledge_mobilization.htm
• Mobilizer stories at:
http://researchimpact.wordpress.com/category/meet-a-mobilizer/
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19. Knowledge mobilization orgs.
• http://www.researchimpact.ca
• http://www.knowledgemobilization.net
Building a digital identity for engaging in social
media: Dec. 11, 3-4:30pm, Arts1C17
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Upcoming workshop