CIHR Knowledge Mobilization Glossary

Commercialization
A type of end-of-grant knowledge mobilization that is focused on bringing intellectual property (IP) – new products, tools or services – to a state of use in the private, not-for-profit or public sectors. Commercialization is designed to advance discoveries with a view to attract new investment; create new science-based technologies, businesses, organizations and initiatives; and ultimately improve health care, health services and health outcomes.
Community-led research
A research approach where community is meaningfully empowered to lead on identifying and prioritizing issues, designing research projects, collecting and analyzing data, and using findings to drive solutions responsive to community needs.
De-implementation
Systematic efforts to encourage de-adoption (stopping the use) of existing practices or policies that are no longer supported by evidence by identifying and overcoming barriers to discontinuing use of the practice.
Diffusion
A type of end-of-grant knowledge mobilization ("let it happen") that is passive, unplanned, uncontrolled release of information; primarily horizontal or mediated by peers (e.g. publishing in peer reviewed journals, presenting research results to peers at academic conferences); potential users needs to seek out the information. CIHR’s open access policy supports the diffusion of research findings.
Dissemination
A type of end-of-grant knowledge mobilization ("help it happen") that involves the active process of communicating results to potential users by tailoring and packaging the message for a particular target audience. Examples include developing a user driven dissemination strategy, media engagement and using a knowledge broker.
Embedded research
An approach where a trainee or researcher works within a non-academic organization (such as a healthcare, health system or public health organization) to apply their research and analytic talents towards addressing critical challenges faced by the host organization. This approach enables trainees and researchers to be part of decision-making and implementation processes, thereby ensuring that research is tailored to meet the needs and context of the organization.
End-of-grant knowledge mobilization
The process of sharing research findings with relevant audiences during and/or after a project is complete to increase awareness of, and sometimes, use of the findings. It can range from more passive diffusion activities like publishing and presenting at conferences, to more intense and tailored dissemination efforts such as infographics, briefings, educational sessions, or media engagement.
Implementation
The iterative process by which knowledge is considered, put into practice or used, to improve health and the health system ("make it happen"). These activities must be consistent with ethical principles and norms, social values and legal and other regulatory frameworks.
Implementation science
See definition for "knowledge mobilization science".
Indigenous-led solutions-focused health and wellness research
Health and/or wellness research led and conducted by Indigenous researchers and communities, grounded in, and engaged with, First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities, societies or individuals and their wisdom, cultures, experiences, or knowledge systems, as expressed in their dynamic forms, past and present. This health research offers culturally appropriate solutions and contributes to Indigenous research self-determination.
Knowledge brokering
Activities led by individuals or organizations focused on linking knowledge users with researchers, facilitating interactions so that they are able to better understand each other's goals, influence each other's work, forge new partnerships and promote the use of evidence in decision-making.
Knowledge sharing
A type of end-of-grant knowledge mobilization ("help it happen") that involves the active exchange of information between researchers and others (including knowledge users and organizations) where the flow of information is reciprocal (i.e. not one way). Example strategies include linkage and exchange events to share knowledge, and developing researcher and knowledge user networks.
Knowledge holder
An individual with traditional or cultural knowledge or expertise. (Source: Concordia University)
Knowledge user
An individual who is able to use the knowledge generated through research in order to make informed decisions about health policies, programs, practices and/or behaviors. A knowledge user can be, but is not limited to, a community leader; educator; health practitioner; policy-maker; patient; person with lived experience; caregiver; or an individual from a health charity, industry, research funder, patient group, private sector organization, or media outlet.
Knowledge mobilization
The process of moving different types of knowledge into policy, practice and the public sphere, with the goal of improving health, supporting more effective health services and products, and strengthening health systems.
Knowledge mobilization practice
The practice of making knowledge users, knowledge holders, communities and organizations aware of knowledge and facilitating its use to inform further research and improve healthcare, health systems and ultimately health outcomes. It seeks to close the gap between what we know and what we do (the "know-do gap") by identifying and addressing barriers and impediments that slow the use of knowledge. Aspects of KM practice include research co-production; community-led research; Indigenous-led solutions-focused health and wellness research; knowledge synthesis; knowledge brokering; end-of-grant KM; and ethically sound implementation, scaling, spreading and sustaining of knowledge.
Knowledge mobilization science
The scientific study of methods, processes, approaches and strategies to effectively and efficiently support evidence-informed decision-making to achieve outcomes (including health outcomes and health system outcomes). KM science is critical for advancing the understanding of how the application of knowledge differs across contexts and populations, and for identifying effective strategies to influence change. Also known as implementation science.
Knowledge synthesis
The process of contextualizing and integrating research findings within the larger body of knowledge on the topic.
Open science
An approach to research that emphasizes accessible and equitable sharing of research outputs, resources, methods or tools, at any stage of the research process. Preprints, publications, research data, research software, notebooks, open peer review, educational resources and citizen science all fall within its scope.
Research co-production
Research approach that meaningfully engages potential knowledge users and/or knowledge holders as equal partners in the research process, working together to develop the research agenda, design and conduct the research, interpret and disseminate findings, and implement, scale, spread and sustain the resulting knowledge. Research co-production is used to create knowledge that is relevant to current challenges faced by knowledge users and to increase uptake of that knowledge into practice, programs, products and/or policy. Formerly known at CIHR as integrated knowledge translation. (Adapted from: Evaluating research co-production: protocol for the Research Quality Plus for Co-Production (RQ+ 4 Co-Pro) framework; Co-production of knowledge: the future | The BMJ)
Scaling

A systematic approach of optimizing scientific research and innovations to achieve meaningful impacts. Taking the findings from research and applying them to create benefit for society.

The goal is to ensure that research leads to tangible improvements in areas such as public health, environmental sustainability, and social equity.

Spreading
The process through which new practices or policies developed in one setting are adopted, perhaps with appropriate modifications, in other settings or contexts.
Sustaining knowledge use
The process leading to the sustained delivery of an innovation or intervention, potentially after adaptation, at a sufficient level to ensure the continued health impact and benefits of the intervention. (Source: Moore JE, Mascarenhas A, Bain J, Straus SE. Developing a comprehensive definition of sustainability. Implement Sci 2017;12:110)
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