Knowledge Translation
Knowledge translation (KT), transfer and exchange, transfer, diffusion, mobilization, health innovation or commercialization, are all terms that have been used to describe the complex set of activities involved in advancing knowledge generated from research into effective changes in health policy, practice, or products. KT strategies are varied and might include presentations to non-academic stakeholders, brochures, summary reports, roundtable discussions or face-to-face meetings. The list of evidence-based KT strategies is growing steadily.
For more information about the KT Program, please contact Sarah Bovaird, Knowledge Translation and Exchange Specialist at sarah.bovaird@sickkids.ca or 416-813-7654 ext. 28189.
Scientist Knowledge Translation Training Workshop
A well-developed KT plan is emerging as a proposal requirement for health research in Canada and abroad, and there is greater attention to research utilization and research impact in many aspects of health practice and research. The Scientist Knowledge Translation Training (SKTT™) course was developed on the premise that scientists are agents of change in creating research impact, promoting research utilization, and ensuring their research findings reach the appropriate audiences. There is a skill set surrounding KT practice, and it is these competencies that the training course was designed to impart.
The SKTT workshop is intended for health science researchers across all four scientific pillars (basic, clinical, health services, population health), who have an interest in sharing research knowledge with (multiple) audiences beyond the traditional academic community, as appropriate, and in increasing the impact potential of their research. The course is also appropriate for KT professionals, policy and decision-makers, and educators, as the focus is on the practice of KT and the universal components of knowledge translation.
Information on SKTT and upcoming training dates
©Barwick M, Butterill D, Lockett DM, Buckley L & Goering P. (2005). Scientist knowledge translation training manual. The Hospital for Sick Children/Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Knowledge Translation Professional Certificate
The Knowledge Translation Professional Certificate (KTPC™) is a 5 day professional development course and the only course of its kind in North America. The curriculum, presented as a composite of didactic and interactive teaching, exemplars, and exercises, focuses on the core competencies of KT work in Canada, as identified by a survey of KT Practitioners (Barwick et al., 2010). This one-of-a-kind opportunity for professional development and networking.
The KTPC course is aimed at developing the competencies of KT practitioners working across all disciplines – not limited to: health, education, prevention/promotion, and agriculture. Whether you call yourself a knowledge broker, KT specialist or work by some other name, this event is of great importance to helping us close the research to practice gap. However you identify yourself professionally, this course is for you if you serve an intermediary role between science and practice. We invite active participation of your employer to help build organizational culture for KT.
Information on KTPC and upcoming training dates
Learn more about KT at SickKids by visiting our Reaching out with Research section.