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?