Knowledge Translation: Research into Action

At the core of the Institute of Gender and Health (IGH) mission is a commitment to evidence-informed solutions to improve health. In its focus on research excellence, IGH is concerned with the potential that research has to improve the health of men and women and its actual impact via the application of gender, sex, and health research findings in identifying and addressing health challenges. Knowledge translation (KT), as a process that engages the ethically-sound application of knowledge in advancing health and health system improvements, comprises a crucial mechanism for fulfilling this action-oriented commitment. 

Our Approach to KT

Given that IGH is a funding institution – not a research centre – the role of IGH in knowledge translation is one of facilitation, rather than knowledge creation. Through its function in developing national research priorities, standards, and funding infrastructure, IGH is favourably positioned to mobilize and foster the possibilities for KT in the gender, sex, and health research community. The transversal nature of IGH – that is, gender and sex intersect with the foci of all other CIHR institutes – further equips the institute to be a unique convenor in stimulating KT opportunities. It is this catalyzing contribution to the processes of KT that the IGH KT Strategy addresses in its objectives under the two domains of building KT capacity and facilitating translation:

1. Building KT Capacity
   1. To strengthen the capacity of gender, sex, and health researchers to undertake KT.
   2. To enhance the capacity of gender, sex, and health researchers to demonstrate KT leadership and innovation within the broader health research community.
       
2. Facilitating Translation
   1. To foster wider sensitivity to gender and sex considerations among health research related institutions and individuals, including CIHR institutes, partners, societies, and other organizations.
   2. To facilitate the uptake of gender, sex, and health research evidence into practice, policy, commercialization, and other arenas of impact.

To address these objectives, the Institute adopts a variety of strategies, ranging from enriching the training environment for gender, sex, and health KT to focusing on citizen engagement. For a complete copy of IGH’s 2010-2012 Knowledge Translation Strategy, please email ea-igh@exchange.ubc.ca.

Examples of IGH KT activities include:

• embedding KT-specific objectives and requirements in our funding architecture
• partnering on funding opportunities that expand the scope for KT in the field, such as knowledge syntheses and Partnerships for Health System Improvement
• supporting KT activities through Meetings, Planning and Dissemination Grants and our Institute Community Support Program
• funding the Centres for Research Development in Gender, Mental Health, and Addictions
• highlighting KT successes in the IGH biannual newsletter Intersections
• launching media pitches in collaboration with the CIHR Communications and Public Outreach Branch
• funding the Cochrane Collaboration and developing the IGH Cochrane Corner
• hosting Café Scientifiques (public discussions on research) and other public events
• producing a suite of communications tools, including a biannual newsletter, electronic eCommuniqué, and other multi-media resources