Translating research into action : an international study of the role of research funders
Date
2018-05-24
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BioMed Central
Abstract
Background: It is widely accepted that research can lead to improved health outcomes. However, translating
research into meaningful impacts in peoples’ lives requires actions that stretch well beyond those traditionally
associated with knowledge creation. The research reported in this manuscript provides an international review
of health research funders’ efforts to encourage this process of research uptake, application and scaling, often
referred to as knowledge translation.
Methods: We conducted web-site review, document review and key informant interviews to investigate
knowledge translation at 26 research funding agencies. The sample comprises the regions of Australia, Europe
and North America, and a diverse range of funder types, including biomedical, clinical, multi-health domain,
philanthropic, public and private organisations. The data builds on a 2008 study by the authors with the same
international sample, which permitted longitudinal trend analysis.
Results: Knowledge translation is an objective of growing significance for funders across each region studied.
However, there is no clear international consensus or standard on how funders might support knowledge
translation. We found that approaches and mechanisms vary across region and funder type. Strategically tailored
funding opportunities (grants) are the most prevalent modality of support. The most common funder-driven
strategy for knowledge translation within these grants is the linking of researchers to research users. Funders
could not to provide empirical evidence to support the majority of the knowledge translation activities they
encourage or undertake.
Conclusions: Knowledge translation at a research funder relies on context. Accordingly, we suggest that the
diversity of approaches uncovered in our research is fitting. We argue that evaluation of funding agency efforts to
promote and/or support knowledge translation should be prioritised and actioned. It is paradoxical that funders’
efforts to get evidence into practice are not themselves evidence based.
Description
CITATION: McLean, Robert K. D., et al. 2018. Translating research into action : an international study of the role of research funders. Health Research Policy and Systems, 16:44, doi:10.1186/s12961-018-0316-y.
The original publication is available at https://health-policy-systems.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12961-018-0316-y
The original publication is available at https://health-policy-systems.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12961-018-0316-y
Keywords
Knowledge translation, Research -- Funding, Research -- Evaluation, Integrated data processing
Citation
McLean, Robert K. D., et al. 2018. Translating research into action : an international study of the role of research funders. Health Research Policy and Systems, 16:44, doi:10.1186/s12961-018-0316-y