Connecting water researchers and end-users: Building knowledge mobilization capacity and awareness through a consortium approach Elizabeth Shantz Knowledge Mobilization Officer, CWN
May 07, 2015
Connecting water researchers and end-users:
Building knowledge mobilization capacity and awareness through a consortium
approach
Elizabeth ShantzKnowledge Mobilization Officer, CWN
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Awareness of implications of research by end-user community
Identify, engage, and support researchers and end users to participate
in CWN-brokered and self-brokered knowledge mobilization
SHORT TERM GOAL
APPROACH
LONG TERM GOAL
Improve water management in Canada for environmental, economic & social good
ACTIVITIESResearch Consortia
Knowledge Mobilization Tools
Evaluation
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Consortia
• End-user driven research consortia• Pathogens-in-Groundwater Research Consortium• Canadian Municipal Water Consortium• Secure Source Waters Consortium• Regional Watershed Research Consortium Nodes
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Consortia
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• Lessons learned• Build KM into the structure of the consortia• Core program → consortia program
• Interaction and involvement are key• Provide support and resources
Consortia
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• Advice from end users on facilitating research partnerships
http://www.cwn-rce.ca/publications/knowledge-translation/advice-from-research-users-on-facilitating-research-partnerships/
• KM planning tool• What is KM and why do it?• Best practices
KM Tools
KM Research
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• KM research• Knowledge translation challenges and solutions described by researchers.
Shantz, 2012• Indicators to evaluate impact of knowledge translation and brokering.
Levangie, 2011• Consortia network mapping study. Dimitrova, 2011.• Knowledge translation and knowledge brokering tools and strategies
inventory. Jusek, 2011• Engagement, interpretation and convening functions within intermediary
organizations: organizational approach and capacity. Shantz, 2010• Organizational structure and functions within intermediary organizations:
A comparative analysis. Goreham Hitchman, 2010
KM Tools and Research
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• Lessons learned• Relationships are key• Consult and involve end users• Targeted communication• “So what” not just “what”
• Evaluate regularly
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Evaluation
• Project evaluations• Written and in person• Established criteria
Logic model representation of CWN consortia program
Logic model adapted from the University of Wisconsin-Extension logic model: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/evaluation/evallogicmodel.html
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Evaluation
• Longitudinal analysis (under development)• Qualitative & quantitative data• Interviews with researchers, end users• Success stories
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Evaluation
• Lessons learned• Evaluation is difficult but very important• Qualitative and quantitative methods
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Thank you!Questions?