Archives - Community First

Catching up with past CFICE students – Christine Ackerley

amymrichardson — Tue, 31 May 2016 19:20:48 +0000

by Amy Richardson, CFICE Communications RA

Christine Ackerley worked as the CFICE Knowledge Mobilization Research Assistant from September 2014 – May 2015. Now, she is continuing to pursue her love of mobilizing knowledge as a research assistant for Action ADE for her Masters in Communication at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia.

What started as a part time job during university, turned into a passion.

Christine Ackerley worked with the Community First: Impacts of Community Engagement (CFICE) project during her undergraduate degree in Journalism at �Ӱ�ԭ�� University. From September 2014 to May 2015, Ackerley assisted the Knowledge Mobilization Hub by writing blog posts, managing social media and helping with .

Christine Ackerley, former CFICE Knowledge Mobilization Research Assistant.

Since then, Ackerley has graduated and moved to Vancouver, British Columbia where she is pursuing her Masters in Communication at Simon Fraser University. Currently, she is working as a research assistant for her graduate supervisor on a project, called , to help mobilize knowledge in the healthcare field.

Action ADE’s goal is to prevent adverse drug events, or ADEs, from happening. An adverse drug event is a harmful or unintended consequence caused by taking a drug.

“It’s really interesting because it’s all about communicating information to save lives,” Ackerley says.

Action ADE is creating an electronic platform that would mobilize patient knowledge between healthcare providers.

Ackerley says working on a project like this is very valuable.

“It’s just so important because the research that this one team has done can have an enormous impact across Canada with a relatively simple change – just implementing a small, easy electronic tool that has all this potential to save lives,” she says.

Currently in British Columbia, there is no system to translate knowledge of adverse drug events, meaning it’s common for a patient to have the same reaction to a drug multiple times because there is no warning to healthcare providers.

That’s why this work in knowledge mobilization is so important to Ackerley.

However, Ackerley didn’t know she’d end up mobilizing knowledge as a career path.

“I think I was interested in knowledge mobilization without really realizing it in journalism because I loved writing stories about complex ideas or research that was being done,” she says.

“I always loved that each project could be on a completely new topic that was totally foreign to me. I loved that learning curve of having to do a lot of research.”

It wasn’t until her undergraduate thesis supervisor recommended she explore the area of knowledge mobilization that she found her calling.

“The more I read about it, the more I just loved it. I loved the aims of sharing research with people that could find it useful, and then it kind of snowballed from there,” she recalls.

Christine Ackerley presenting a poster on her current research project at the Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum.

While completing her undergraduate thesis on knowledge mobilization, she volunteered with CFICE. Soon after, Ackerley was welcomed on board as the CFICE Knowledge Mobilization Research Assistant where she was involved with C2UExpo.

“It totally shifted my interest and career path towards knowledge mobilization and I definitely see myself sticking with it,” she says.

“CFICE really helped me further develop my interest in knowledge mobilization and also give me a really complete and realistic picture of both the potential benefits and very many frustrations of knowledge mobilization, which I think is incredibly valuable,” she says, adding that getting hands-on experience better prepared her for the work she’s doing now.

In addition to the research project and school, Ackerley sits on the Leadership Committee of the British Columbia Knowledge Translation Community of Practice (BCKTCOP). She volunteers with them to help run the website, host webinars and write newsletters.

While she’s still in the early stages of her master’s thesis, she will be looking at how parties in a knowledge mobilization partnership understand and talk about a project in terms of goals, aims, and translating knowledge.

She is in her first year of a two-year graduate program at SFU.

Watch a video starring Christine Ackerley talking about plain language writing during her time at CFICE here.

University of Guelph Offers Certificate in Knowledge Mobilization Program

Jay Gatsby — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 08:22:23 +0000

This November 2015 marks the start of a new, 3-part course that will provide researchers with the knowledge, skills, and values for applying knowledge mobilization techniques and tools to their research activities.

Participants in the will:

Learn how to build and implement knowledge mobilization strategies adapted to the needs and goals of your organization or sector
Learn to identify and use evidence from a number of sources and disciplines, and present research findings in ways that make the information accessible, relevant and applicable
Develop key skills and competencies of knowledge brokering and stakeholder engagement
Explore mechanisms to turn knowledge into action and support the development of evidence-based policies and programs

Think this program might be for you? Learn more about it by visiting the !

Tool: Questing Your Way to a Knowledge Mobilization Strategy

Jay Gatsby — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 02:29:37 +0000

Knowledge mobilization helps us do research that is useful and used. But the field itself is fraught with a dizzying array of terminology and concepts, leaving researchers and their community partners unsure about what knowledge mobilization means in their situation.

As a result, developing a knowledge mobilization strategy takes thoughtful planning. And CFICE is happy to help!

Check out the link below for more information:

To download the infographic, click here:

Knowledge Mobilization Hub Research Assistant Reflection

Jay Gatsby — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 14:54:26 +0000

How does one go about the daunting task of strengthening Canadian communities? They do so by connecting with like-minded people to address an equally formidable question. In the case of the CFICE project, that question is: How can community campus partnerships be designed and implemented to maximize the value created for non-profit, community-based organizations? The CFICE project at its core is a group of people across Canada that seek to connect the academic institution with the surrounding community and encourage partnership that will ultimately enact positive changes.

Looking back at my time spent as a research assistant with the knowledge mobilization hub of the CFICE project, it’s hard to put to words the experiences I’ve had and the things I’ve learned. From having the opportunity to speak in front of experts in the field of KM, to dabbling in the logistics of patents and intellectual property, CFICE has provided experiences that I never would have thought available given my current academic and occupational direction. Indeed throughout my time with CFICE I have had the opportunity to help in organizing multi-community and multi-campus conferences, I have been able to attend conferences in differing parts of Canada, I gained valuable experience in dealing with large groups of people (especially time management skills in organizing meetings), and helped in the development of novel a KM tool (the Knowledge Mobilization Game). Along with these invaluable experiences I also was able to see firsthand the difficulties surrounding the implementation of knowledge mobilization both in and out of academia. For example, traditional avenues of knowledge dissemination are usually limited to publishing in relevant journals and perhaps attending a conference. Furthermore, aside from issuing surveys to potential users of knowledge it is difficult to measure the impact knowledge mobilization has on the community. Fortunately the former problem is slowly being addressed through changes in granting policies and the incorporation of KM strategies when attempting to secure funding.

Prior to my university studies at �Ӱ�ԭ�� University, were someone to ask me what knowledge mobilization was and what it entailed I simply would have told them that it was the movement of knowledge. Although not wrong, that assumption would fail to capture the essence as to what knowledge mobilization truly is. Knowledge mobilization is more than getting knowledge from one person to another. Knowledge mobilization is about putting research into action– it is about doing everything possible to ensure that that knowledge gets implemented in order to enact the best possible outcomes for a given situation.

Moving forward I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity continue my studies at the doctoral level. As I pursue further graduate work I do so with a greater understanding and appreciation for knowledge mobilization and what it truly entails. The usual avenues of knowledge dissemination and exchange, although tempting, are becoming insufficient in ensuring that the knowledge generated from research is actually implemented. Knowing this, and using the skills I have learned during my time with CFICE I hope to put my future research into the hands of those who will truly benefit from it and therefore ameliorate both the academic and public communities.

Research Assistant Reflection – Knowledge Mobilization

Jay Gatsby — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 21:54:09 +0000

Knowledge mobilization is a verb, not a noun. It’s an ongoing journey, not the destination. That’s what I learned this year as a research assistant for the CFICE knowledge mobilization hub. I wrote articles and sat on committees. I helped with newsletters and assisted with knowledge mobilization resources. But more than anything else, I learned about the challenges to knowledge mobilization work.

The experience wasn’t what I expected. Academic timelines rarely align with community timelines. The impact of knowledge mobilization is hard to measure, so it’s hard to justify to busy campus and community partners. I found it challenging to identify the target audience for knowledge mobilization products. I also struggled to wrap my head around the complexity and breadth of the CFICE project.

But, I leave CFICE more passionate about the value of knowledge mobilization than when I started. I participated in C2UExpo, and met inspiring people who strive to make research more relevant and useful to those who need it. I researched knowledge mobilization in my undergraduate honours essay, where I studied SSHRC’s annual reports. And, I’m excited to continue learning about knowledge mobilization this fall as I start my master’s in communication at Simon Fraser University.

Each step along the path of knowledge mobilization is challenging. Sometimes even frustrating, slow, or uncertain. But I believe we can harness the power of research to support meaningful social change. And I know knowledge mobilization is a vital journey to take.

Technique of the Week #10: Social Media

Jay Gatsby — Thu, 14 May 2015 17:21:04 +0000

What you need to know

If you’re living in the modern world, chances are you’ve had some experience with the various forms of social media that are prevalent today. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest are just a few of the platforms that people commonly use to convey messages, ideas, thoughts, and feelings. One of the many reasons as to why social media is so ingrained in today’s society is the fact of how easy it is to use, and how effective it is at conveying one’s thoughts. If one wants to check their facebook, all they need do is open the application on their mobile device, or go to the website on their computer.

Resources, time, and skill

In order to use social media, one must have a certain degree of computer literacy. That being said, from personal experience that requirement isn’t very onerous – even my computer-wary grandmother uses facebook! Another aspect to keep in mind is the willingness to actually use the social media in the first place. Some people may be reluctant to use online platforms due to privacy concerns.

Key Considerations

With advances in technology and the ability for general consumers to use social media, many organizations are putting efforts into their social media campaigns. It isn’t unheard of that whole occupational positions are dedicated to managing a companies social media network. That being said there are a few considerations that should be taken into account when using social media. Privacy is a big concern – with everything being online it is generally a good idea to go through several layers of editing before something is posted to the public. This will ensure that sensitive information and unintentional offensive messaging isn’t being posted. Furthermore, social media may not be the vehicle warranted for your KM strategy – if something is of a sensitive nature perhaps more formal routes of KM are needed.

Incorporating social media into your KMb

In order to incorporate social media into your KMb you need to decide what type of message you want to disseminate and what type of medium that message would need to be in. For example, platforms such as Instagram utilize solely images. In this case perhaps infographics would be best used. If short bursts of information are needed, then Twitter is an option as it excels in piquing people’s interests quickly and effectively. If you want a platform that is able to do a bit of each of these things then perhaps initiating a facebook page for you KMb activities is warranted.

The take away

Social media is an excellent way to disseminate information as it is relatively easy to use and widely adopted by the general population. That being said, the message you are wanting to spread, and the audience you intend to target need to be taken into account when deciding to incorporate social media into you KMb activities.

Resources

Here are a list of resources if you are interested in setting up a social media platform for your KMb strategy:

http://www.facebook.com
http://www.instagram.com
http://www.pinterest.com
http://www.twitter.com

td-net’s Toolbox for Co-producing Knowledge

Jay Gatsby — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 15:04:38 +0000

The td-net’s toolbox features selected methods for jointly producing knowledge across different academic and non-academic fields of expertise. The purpose of the toolbox is to help inter- and transdisciplinary researchers finding the adequate (mix of) methods for addressing the challenges of co-producing knowledge that they face. For that purpose, td-net provides a series of short method profiles, complemented by information on further reading and reports on how the method is being applied. Some methods in the toolbox are storywall, most significant change, and actor constellation. To learn more, please click

*note: You can navigate in English by selecting “EN” at the top of the web page, and by the left menu.

Tool: So What the Heck is Knowledge Mobilization and Why Should I Care?

Jay Gatsby — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 23:52:20 +0000

What is Knowledge Mobilization (KMb)? Why should I care?

Almost every research funding grant asks for a knowledge mobilization strategy. In general, researchers want to do research that has value and impact. KMb, in essence, consists of all the activities and outputs that builds awareness, and enables use of the research.
A simple definition: All the activities and products created that help your research be useful and used. KMb = Knowledge to action.
KMb is an emerging field of work which leaves for room multiple definitions and perspectives and is multi-faceted with varied roots and assorted branches. ().
This means you have the opportunity to think through and define what it means based on your hub’s needs and interests.

Purpose of knowledge Mobilization

Why do research funders such as the Tri Council (SSHRC, CIHR, and NSERC) as well as many foundations expect researchers to develop a knowledge mobilization strategy as part of a research grant proposal?
The bottom line for funders is that they want the money they put towards research to have results. A knowledge mobilization strategy demonstrates the linkages between the research results and addressing real world issues and shows how the research would be put into use.

SSHRC Perspective Expanded

Purpose of knowledge mobilization:

Better connect social sciences and humanities research within and beyond academia, to maximize intellectual, cultural, social and economic impact. Framing our Direction, SSHRC 2010-2013
The goal is to maximize the impact of research and to capture and communicate those impacts as widely as possible. As a result, researchers, institutions and funding agencies are deepening their engagement in knowledge mobilization and finding new ways to capture and communicate the many benefits research and research talent can offer to all sectors of the economy, culture and society. Strengthening Canada’s Cultures of Innovation. SSHRC Strategic Plan 2013-2016

SSHRC categorizes KMb into four domains: Co-creation, Broker, Exchange and Dissemination. Below are examples of activities under each of the domains.

The K * Continuum- another lens with which to look at Knowledge Mobilization

Key Considerations in Knowledge Mobilization

Knowledge mobilization and participatory action research share space. e. Engagement activities inherent in participatory action research are simultaneously aspects of knowledge mobilization. For example, a meeting bringing together stakeholders to identify the needs is a part of designing a research project, and simultaneously part of a KMb Strategy. Please see attached diagram that shows the connections between KMb and the phases of research.
KMb is a means rather than an end. The goal is not to only distribute the knowledge, but to share it in such a way that it is easily accessible, useful and used. Understanding the world of the potential user enables creation of KMb products and activities that makes adoption and application more likely. Start with a focus on the potential user and their use of the information. Do a thorough analysis of their context, interests, needs, and their trusted sources.
Knowledge does not get used up when shared. A dizzying array of techniques exist. One piece of research can be shared in through multiple means. Multiple means and ways of sharing enables meeting the of multiple audiences. g. Knowledge may be shared via a journal article, a policy brief, an infographic, a play, a sculpture, a news release, a presentation, and be distributed via tweets, facebook posts, blogs, webinars, online conversations, face to face meetings and so forth. Effective knowledge mobilization means understanding the audience(s) their information gather habits, the use to which they would put the knowledge, and your goal in sharing the knowledge.
An academic paper published in an academic journal is knowledge mobilization but only one aspect of knowledge mobilization. You can expand the reach of your findings by using multiple media, formats, and distribution methods.

Some Key Questions to ask yourself in developing a KMb Strategy

What is the knowledge the research will generate?
Who are the audiences and stakeholders? e. Who’s the knowledge for and with? Who cares about this issue? Who should care?
Who will use the knowledge? How will they use it? How and to what extent do they want to participate in the design and delivery of the research? What difference can the research make? To whom? Who has the power to implement change?
What is the most effective way to connect with each audience?
What KMb activities make sense for each phase of my research?
What do I want to accomplish through the research?
To what extent will I include participatory action research thereby integrating knowledge mobilization from the beginning of my research project?

Assessing your KMb: Reach + Relevance + Relationship = Results

Reach, Relevance, and Relationships combine to create the conditions to achieve results.

KMb consists of four main aspects- Reach, relevance, and relationship make up the key elements of achieving results. Although effective reach, relevance, and relationship do not guarantee uptake and use of the research findings together they increase the likelihood of it being useful, useable, and used .

Reach speaks to the breadth of connections as reflected in the question ‘’Are we connecting with the people who care or should care about this issue? Are we connecting with those who can make changes?

Relevance speaks to the question, ‘’To what extent do our KMb activities and products reflect the needs and interests of our audiences and stakeholders?’’ It also reflects the importance of the research to them.

Relationship speaks to the question, ‘’Are we connecting with the depth and breadth of audiences and stakeholders to the level of appropriate level of engagement?’’ Relationships, key to knowledge mobilization, come in many forms and levels. While fully engaged partners are critical to the success of the research mobilization it is vital to pay attention to the needs and interests of the more peripheral participants. Sharing with your core engaged partners while vital will not be enough to move your knowledge into action.

Successful KMb requires depth and breadth of engagement.

Graphic credit: Anthony Maki.  Adapted from

Fully engaged- partners:a relatively small group of people whose passion and engagement in the issue to be researched energize and nurture the community
Active and supportive: Involved to some degree in the design and development but not as involved as the fully engaged group
Interested occasionally active participants: Participate when the topic is of special interest, when they have some specific to contribute, or when they are involved in a project. This may also include policy makers and other decision makers who have an interest in the outcomes of the research, but do not actively participate in the research.
Observer participants:people who have a sustained connection and interest in the research, but with less engagement and authority, either because they are still newcomers, because they do not have as much personal commitment, or need to keep in touch but cannot participate fully. These people may be active elsewhere and carry the learning to these places.

Transactional participants: outsiders who interact with the research project occasionally without being members themselves, to receive or provide a service or to gain access to artifacts produced by the community, such as its publications, its website, or its tools.

Adapted from : Wenger Traynor http://wenger-trayner.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/11-12-Levels-of-participation-600.jpg

Results from your mobilization efforts can be difficult to ascertain and measure. On one hand the outcomes from your mobilization efforts need to mirror the intended outcomes of your research which tend to require significant time to pass. On the other hand, you can measure interim outcomes that can lead to the achievement of longer term goals. For example, increased attention to the issue by decision makers that your research contributed to can be considered an interim result. Longer term outcomes would be the implementation of the policy or practice change.

Want to read more about KMb?

Have questions? Comments? Want to chat about your KMb options?

KM Hub Co-Lead Co-Authors Evaluation Article

Jay Gatsby — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 15:48:16 +0000

An article co-authored by Bessa Whitmore, Knowledge Mobilization Co-Lead, is being widely disseminated and appreciated. The article focuses on standards in collaborative inquiry in the evaluation process. Cousins, Bradley J., Whitmore. Elizabeth, Shulha, Lyn. Arguments for a Common Set of Principles for Collaborative Inquiry in Evaluation American Journal of Evaluation March 2013 34: 7-22

New Publication: Knowledge Synthesis, Transfer and Exchange in Agri-Food Public Health: A Handbook for Science-to-Policy Professionals

Jay Gatsby — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 15:57:05 +0000

Published by University of Guelph, “Knowledge Synthesis, Transfer, and Exchange in Agri-Food Public Health’s, “main purpose is to assist a broad spectrum of science-to-policy professionals on how to ensure that relevant and credible research is generated and utilized to inform policy and decision-making in times of increasingly scarce resources and when the value and utility of […]