An Introduction to Knowledge Translation at CIHR 1st National Knowledge Translation Conference in Rehabilitation Montréal, QC May 4-5 2016

KT at CIHR How does CIHR define KT? CIHR’s aim is to excel in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into real-world applications. CIHR defines KT as a “dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically sound application of knowledge…” What does this definition mean? KT is about engaging and sharing research findings with those individuals who can use them. For my institute specifically, we define KT as Integration of Research into Practice for MSK, skin and Oral Health. We include: Epidemiologic and behavioural studies Knowledge synthesis Outcomes and health services research Exploration of different models of care Development of therapeutic interventions, new technologies, and commercialization opportunities. As well we include: Clinical trials and studies Rehabilitation studies, Personalized medicine Assistive technologies and basically any study design to help close the gap between what is already known and what is being delivered.

KT in CIHR’s Strategic Plan Health Research Roadmap II includes commitments to: Promote a culture of excellence in KT. Mobilize health research for transformation and impact. Integrate stakeholders into the research process Include knowledge users in peer review Support KT science Facilitate evidence-informed health promotion and prevention Build an entrepreneurial advantage CIHR has new strategic plan - Strategic Plan 2014/15 – 18/19 KT integrated throughout iKT facilitated through our structure, with 13 virtual institutes that help bring R and KUs together Strategy specifically committing to promoting iKT so that relevant stakeholders engaged throughout research process

Health Research in Action CIHR KT Support Impact through FUNDING CIHR funds research that: Uses KT approaches iKT, patient engagement Supports practice of KT EofG KT, application Studies the discipline of KT KT/Implementation Science Impact through DOING CIHR works with stakeholders to: Provide evidence to policy makers Profile findings from individual projects Develop policies and platforms for enabling the sharing of research evidence. 1. At CIHR, iKT is about bringing both the creators and potential users together in meaningful engagement Purpose is two fold Make users aware of evidence R aware of societies information needs Shown that co-production of knowledge increases relevant and therefore chance of findings being moved into action 2. End of grant such as publications, presentations and/or posters at conferences, presentations for various stakeholders 3. Supporting through both the priority driven research and institute specific funding Best Brains: delivers high-quality, timely and accessible evidence that is of immediate interest and use to senior government policy decision makers. They are one day in camera meetings for policy decision makers and researchers focused on a topic of high priority to the health ministries and Health Canada. Some topics have been: Physician compensation models Using electronic medical records to improve chronic disease management and prevention Health inequalities, health policy and the social determinants of health of first Nations communities Open Access: a free and unrestricted online access to research publications and data. PMC Canada provides free access to a stable and permanent online digital archive of full-text, peer-reviewed health and life sciences research publications. It builds on PMC, the archive developed by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) and is a partnership between the National Research Council's national science library, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Health Research in Action

CIHR KT Support - Funding CIHR promotes and enables KT through: Funding KT requirements; Knowledge users/partners can or must be involved in research; Opportunities for networks and platforms. Corporate Functions Knowledge users/partners involved in developing and governing Initiatives. Activities Match-making portals or workshops to bring together researchers, knowledge users and partners. All teams we have, in terms of Signature Initiatives and Institute teams have representatives from the knowledge translation branch embedded. Several activities I have been involved in have had different portals/workshops. Embedded clinician award, used to match up individuals with appropriate partners and knowledge users.

CIHR Funding Strategies Investigator-Initiated Research CIHR has a new Investigator-Initiated Research Suite, replacing CIHR’s previous ‘Open’ programs. Priority-Driven Research CIHR supports major initiatives aligned with its refreshed research priorities: All major initiatives incorporate at least some KT considerations, ranging from iKT to commercialization. Enhanced patient experiences and outcomes through health innovation A healthier future through preventive action Health and wellness for Aboriginal peoples Improved quality of life for persons living with chronic conditions

KT within CIHR Project Grants Project Grants support ideas across the spectrum of research and KT/commercialization. Inclusion of knowledge users and/or partners is encouraged when appropriate. Funding is available through a ‘special consideration’ to incentivize KT and commercialization projects that include a knowledge user and/or partner. KT/commercialization incorporated into the adjudication criteria.

Project Grants - Adjudication Criteria iKT can be particularly addressed in certain sections: Importance of the Idea Describe how the research question will address an identified KU need. Approach Define and justify how the iKT approach is appropriate to accomplish the objectives of the project. Expertise, Experience and Resources KUs may be responsible and accountable for the application of outputs; demonstrate in appropriate positions and levels of influence. A cash or in-kind KU contribution can demonstrate commitment. Adjudication Criteria Sub-criteria Concept Quality of the Idea Importance of the Idea Feasibility Approach Expertise, Experience and Resources KT can be integrated throughout, but iKT can be specifically highlighted in certain sections Importance of idea – how question will address KU need Approach – how using iKT approach to increase chance of achieving impacts Expertise, experience and resources – demonstrate Kus in positions to make/influence decisions and can give cash/in-kind contributions

Project Grants - Special Consideration Portion of the budget allocated to partnered/integrated knowledge translation (iKT) projects Dollar value based on applications received, Target consistency with past levels of investments. To facilitate knowledge translation and commercialization projects: Principal applicants and co-applicants can be knowledge users; Partners and contributions can be included; Knowledge translation and commercialization projects may be reviewed by knowledge user peer reviewers and researchers. The purpose of the Partnered/iKT flag is two-fold: To help easily identify Partnered/iKT projects for the purpose of finding appropriate reviewers; and To ensure CIHR is continuing to support Partnered/iKT projects at an appropriate level. CIHR will be allocating a portion of the Project Grant budget for knowledge translation and commercialization projects that include a partner and/or knowledge user. The dollar value will be based on the applications received, but will target consistency with CIHR’s past levels of investments in investigator initiated knowledge translation and commercialization projects. There is no specified budget envelope for these projects but CIHR will watch the success of these projects and may intervene as required. It is a transitionary measure to ensure that these projects are well integrated within the Project Grant Competition. To facilitate knowledge translation and commercialization projects: Principal applicants and co-applicants can be knowledge users; Knowledge translation and commercialization partners and contributions can be included; Knowledge translation and commercialization projects will be reviewed by knowledge user peer reviewers. Partnered and integrated knowledge translation projects will be peer reviewed with all other projects. There will not be a separate cohort of reviewers for these projects. Under each adjudication criteria above, we went over how each criterion will be reviewed for partnered and knowledge translation projects. Overall, if you are submitting a Partnered/iKT project, remember that you application should demonstrate: How the idea has been validated as important to partners and/or knowledge users; and How partners and/or knowledge users will be meaningfully involved in informing and/or implementing the project, and using the results. The purpose of the Partnered/iKT flag is twofold: To help easily identify Partnered/iKT projects for the purpose of finding appropriate reviewers; and To monitor Partnered/iKT projects to ensure that CIHR is continuing to support these projects at an appropriate level. You may include knowledge users in your application without flagging the Partnered/iKT special consideration option, however, by implementing the Partnered/iKT flag, CIHR is looking to capture any project where the applicant has a Partnered/iKT approach in order to adequately monitor these types of applications. Therefore, you are encouraged to check the Partnered/iKT box if this is appropriate for you, keeping in mind that you will require a letter from your partner attesting to their cash or in-kind support. If you choose to flag the Partnered/iKT special consideration, one of your knowledge users or partners must be a Principal Applicant. If you select the Partnered/iKT flag and your project is subsequently deemed ineligible for the special consideration, your project is not excluded from the competition, only from the special consideration. Whether or not you check the Partnered/iKT special consideration, your grant will be subject to the same evaluation process as described above, except that the reviewers selected for your project may include knowledge users if you checked the Partnered/iKT special consideration flag.

Incorporating KT in Project Grant Applications Expertise, Experience and Resources: Knowledge users may be responsible and accountable for the application/uptake of project outputs. Signed letter of support from every partner must be provided for all cash and/or in-kind contributions. Expenses associated with engagement, dissemination and patenting remain eligible. KT can also be highlighted in the Expertise, experience and resources section - by demonstrating that Knowledge Users are in positions where they can make/influence decisions and give cash/in-kind contributions

KT funding aligned with CIHR Institute Priorities Planning and Dissemination Grants: Support activities focused on planning, partnership development and/or increasing understanding of the health research landscape; OR Events/activities focused on the dissemination of health research evidence to appropriate researcher and/or knowledge user audiences. Launched in June/December; up to $25K. Travel Awards: Support trainee, new investigator, and knowledge user travel to present research results at conferences. Launched in June/December; minimum value $500.

CIHR iKT Resources Resources: Guide to Knowledge Translation at CIHR: Integrated and End-of-Grant Approaches http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/45321.html CIHR Knowledge Translation Learning Modules, Evaluation Tools, Casebooks and Resources http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/39128.html Applying to Integrated Knowledge Translation Funding Opportunities at CIHR: Tips for Success http://ktclearinghouse.ca/ktcanada/education/ seminarseries SPOR Patient Engagement Framework http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/48413.html Initiatives providing funding to develop iKT teams, and holding workshops and organizing portals to match R with interested Kus Series of resources to support capacity building in different aspects of iKT

For more information on KT at CIHR, contact: CIHR Knowledge Translation Strategy kt-ac@cihr-irsc.gc.ca