CIHR defines Knowledge Translation (KT) as "the exchange, synthesis, and ethically sound application of knowledge — within a complex system of interactions among researchers and users — to accelerate the capture of the benefits of research for Canadians through improved health, more effective services and products, and a strengthened health care system." A prominent characteristic of KT is that it encompasses all steps between the creation of new knowledge and its application to yield beneficial outcomes for society. Essentially, KT is an interactive process underpinned by effective exchanges between researchers who create new knowledge and those who use it. KT can narrow the gaps between health research, health practice and health policy. KT concepts are universal and broadly applicable; yet teaching and learning about how to do effective KT has long been a challenge.

This introductory course in Knowledge Translation is designed to give students brief background knowledge in the importance of knowledge translation in their research, prominent knowledge translation theories and models, strategies and measures to support research use in various fields and the importance of multi-faceted KT approaches. Our approach to KT is rooted in theory and science, but our application of KT is uniquely pragmatic and focused on real-world impact.