Knowledge Translation: Research into Action

At the core of IGH's mission is a commitment knowledge translation (KT), which CIHR defines as, "a dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically-sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system." As a health research funder, IGH's focus on KT is concerned with: (1) increasing the capacity of IGH-funded researchers to successfully undertake KT; and (2) and acting as a knowledge broker to facilitate the uptake of gender, sex and health research evidence into policy, practice and the public domain.

IGH's KT Strategy (2010-2012) lays out the following objectives in relation to this dual role:

  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 angela.hold@ubc.ca.

Examples of IGH KT activities include: