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What's in your KMb Tool Box? A Description of University-Based Knowledge Mobilization ToolsResearchImpact-RéseauImpactRecherche (RIR) brokers had the privilege of presenting some of their tools and institutional structures to a diverse audience at Community-University Expo 2011 (CU Expo 2011) and the annual meeting of the Canadian Association of University Research Administrators (CAURA). Combined these conferences attracted over 900 delegates. RIR exhibited and presented at both providing information to Canadian and international delegates that were interested in making informed decisions about institutional KMb support services. We had 30 minutes at CU Expo. In contrast we had 3 hours at CAURA which was still not enough time to get to our posters because we had such wonderful audience engagement. The posters were available to the audience over the lunch break.
Front row from left to right: Michael Johnny (York), Karen Follett (MUN), Krista Jensen (York), Shawna Reibling (Guelph), Dale Anderson (UVic), Joaquin Trapero (UVic), David Phipps(York). Back row from left to right: Luc Dancause (UQAM), Jérôme Elissalde (UQAM), Andrei Sedoff (York).
The CAURA session began with an overview of KMb in Canada illustrating why research administrators and research support staff should care about trying to do one more thing in an already busy day. Six RIR universities who have invested in institutional KMb services and knowledge broker staff then presented a brief (or not so brief!) overview of KMb at their institutions. This was followed by a Q&A session and then the audience was invited to view posters of different KMb tools or institutional structures that support the work of the knowledge brokers.
Local RIR Units and Their Tools
Summary of KMb Tools and TipsDavid Phipps summarized the KMb CAURA session by reflecting on some themes common to many or all of the six universities. These tips serve as a check list for institutions thinking about developing KMb services. Start by implementing these tips and the rest will fall into place: 1. Find a trusted community partner to grow with. 2. Language matters. 3. Language also doesn't have to matter: Is it KM, KMb, KT, KTT, KTE? 4. Not all research must be mobilized. 5. Look for stories to illustrate impact of KMb efforts, but be patient. 6. KMb is not new. 7. RIR does not mobilize knowledge. 8. KMb is a process not an end in itself. 9. KMb is about relationships. 10. In case you missed that last point, KMb is about relationships. Click here to see the full list.
Evaluation of CAURA SessionParticipants were asked to complete evaluation forms scoring various elements of the session on a scale of one (poor) to five (excellent). Out of a total possible core of 300 the RIR session received a score of 295 (=98%), a definite A+! Participants were also asked to record what they were feeling at the end of the session. These anonymous responses are shown in the word cloud below. Common feelings expressed were excited, enthused and encouraged but also overwhelmed. As one participant reported, "I am overwhelmed. I don't know where to start implementing all these great ideas."
Moving forward with growing your KMb Tool KitOne solution for feeling overwhelmed is to stay in touch with RIR through your regional RIR university. RIR has universities in all regions of Canada except the North. Universities interested in developing institutional KMb services should review the tools presented in this session and determine what might work in your setting. Follow the tips above and if you can get traction at the grass root level (faculty and community) and at the executive level (Dean, Director, VP Research) then contact your regional RIR university and explore a collaboration. Knowledge mobilization is not a secret society. While the RIR universities are six universities whose six VPs Research have invested in KMb staff salaries and operations, the tools and institutional structures presented here can inform decisions about developing institutional KMb support services. For more information about RIR or to connect with a regional RIR University please contact your local RIR university or send an email to info@researchimpact.ca.
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University of Victoria: The KMb Unit at UVic is a service unit hosted by the Office of Research Services with a close connection to the 
University of Saskatchewan: USask is establishing the Community Engagement Hub under the VP Research. The "community" in Community Engagement Hub means non-academic research partners from industry, community, government and Aboriginal communities. 
University of Guelph: KMb activities at UGuelph are supported through the Institute for Community Engaged Scholarship (
York University: Located within the Office of Research Services and working closely with the 
Université du Québec à Montréal: UQAM defines KMb as all of the processes designed to share various kinds of knowledge (research, practices, experiences and culture) in order to create new forms of knowledge that can be used to support action. KMb is the result of strategies for networking, exchange and enhancing knowledge (dissemination and transfer). The KMb activities are located under the Vice-recteur à la recherche et à la création. KMb is sponsored jointly by: Service des partenariats et du soutien à l'innovation (
Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador: KMb at MUN is located within the Harris Centre, Memorial University's hub for public policy and regional development issues. The Harris Centre links MUN researchers with groups all over Newfoundland and Labrador, supporting active community engagement throughout the research process. Working with all units at MUN, the Harris Centre builds connections, encourages informed debate and supports collaboration enhancing the University and the Province through mutually beneficial partnerships. 
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