Looking at how health research impacts health programming and policy-making in international development, the African Medical and Research Foundation hosted a discussion highlighting some of the themes laid out in this slideshow.

1. KNOWLEDGE FOR CHANGE
From Research to Reality
presented by
AMREF’S Coffeehouse Speaker Series on
global development
featuring
Dr. Olagoke Akintola
And
Dr. Beryl Pilkington

2. Quotable
“…knowledge translation is defined by the Canadian Institutes
of Health Research as a dynamic and iterative process that
includes the synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically
sound application of knowledge to improve health, provide
more effective health services and products, and strengthen
the health care system…(it is) a move beyond the simple
dissemination of knowledge into actual use of knowledge.”
-Sharon E. Straus, Jacqueline Tetroe, and Ian Graham,
in “Defining knowledge translation”
Source: http://www.cmaj.ca/content/181/3-4/165.full/

3. Did you know?
The major research activities to be undertaken by AMREF between 2012 and
2017 include:
1. Strengthening institutional capacity and developing a culture of research within
AMREF
2. Generating scientific knowledge through AMREF research programmes
3. Documenting and sharing of results and lessons learnt through AMREF
publications and peer-reviewed journals
4. Engaging with stakeholders to ensure evidence-based advocacy and influence of
policy and practice
5. Identifying and developing working partnerships with collaborating research
institutions and networks.
Source: AMREF Research Strategy 2012-2017

4. Source: http://www.globalhealthgrades.org

5. Did you know?
The Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research (CCGHR) is a
Canada-based global network committed to the use of research as
a critical tool for reducing global health inequities. CCGHR
members include global health researchers, people actively
engaged in applying research to improve global
health, universities, organizations interested in funding health
research, and members of the general public who share our vision
and goals.

6. Quotable
Source: Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research
“We understand “global health research” to mean the
production, synthesis and use of knowledge that
prioritizes equity and improved well-being for all people
worldwide. This includes trans-national health issues and
multi-disciplinary collaboration. Global health research
informs policy at the local, national and global levels to
improve programs, practices and health behaviour”
- Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research

7. Source: http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/39033.html

8. Did you know?
In December 2010, McMaster University’s “McMaster Health Forum”
was designated as the World Health Organization’s Collaborating
Centre for Evidence-Informed Policy. The McMaster Health Forum
takes research evidence and identifies the relevant stakeholders who
can use this evidence to inform change. One of many such
knowledge translation hubs in Canada, “The Forum acts as an agent
of change by empowering stakeholders to set agendas, take well-
considered actions and communicate the rationale for actions
effectively.”
Source: http://www.mcmasterhealthforum.org/index.php

9. Have you heard of
the ‘Know - Do’ Gap?
Much knowledge about what could make a
difference in health outcomes is available, but
individuals and institutions in developing countries
often do not have access to this information, or
lack the capacity to apply this knowledge.

10. Using knowledge for change can be a struggle, as there are
often Limited Linkages between Researchers and
Policymakers. There are few incentives for individual
researchers to connect their knowledge with larger
processes. Researchers often believe that their work is
finished when it is published. Similarly, policymakers (and
NGOs) often do not seek out existing knowledge that may be
of critical value to their policies.
Fragmentation
Source: Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research

11. Did you know?
Dr. Beryl Pilkington part of the “Research Impact” network that is
“designed to connect university research with research users across
Canada to ensure that research helps to inform decision-making.”
Research Impact is partly hosted at York University, where Dr.
Pilkington teaches and does research. The network provides research
summaries in an easily searchable database, specific to subject and
keyword, while also providing resources on knowledge translation
and mobilization. It can be visited at www.researchimpact.ca
Source: http://www.researchimpact.ca/home/

12. Did you know?
The Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research has
recently launched an exciting new initiative aimed at
encouraging better online sharing of knowledge between
global health researchers and with our research partners
(such as AMREF). Modern communications tools such as
Twitter, Facebook, and blog platforms will be used to
connect researchers with knowledge users.
Source: Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research