
Please note this site has been archived and won't be updated before it is permanently deleted.
For the most up-to-date content, please consult the new Faculty of Social Sciences (uottawa.ca) website. Thank you!
Please note this site has been archived and won't be updated before it is permanently deleted.
For the most up-to-date content, please consult the new Faculty of Social Sciences (uottawa.ca) website. Thank you!
What is knowledge mobilization?
“Knowledge mobilization is an umbrella term encompassing a wide range of activities relating to the production and use of research results, including knowledge synthesis, dissemination, transfer, exchange, and co-creation or co-production by researchers and knowledge users.”
Source: SSHRC — Guidelines for Effective Knowledge Mobilization
Knowledge mobilization is a growing part of grant applications and research projects. This guide will introduce you to the knowledge mobilization options available. To choose the tools that best suit you, start by reading the basic information below. There is also a range of online resources on how to use these tools.
The Office of the Vice-President Research also has more information on knowledge mobilization at uOttawa. This includes information on planning activities and increasing your research impact.
Social media is a modern, increasingly popular communication tool. The platforms are relatively easy and economical to use to reach your target audience. But be careful: While it might seem simple, creating, planning, and sharing content requires time and effort, in addition to creating a profile and building a network. Expect to pay two to 20 hours a week in salary, depending on how ambitious your communication plan is.
How do you choose a platform? We have some information below, and the internet is full of advice on which social media platforms to choose.
If you publish scholarly articles, open access platforms allow more people to read and use your research results. As well, if you link to your articles from other platforms (like social media), this will allow readers to access them easily. Your articles can also be used as teaching resources. The University of Ottawa Library is a good source of information on this topic. For example, it compiles lists of open access publications. The University also has its own digital repository, uO Research.
By explaining your research in simple terms, you make it accessible to members of the public who wouldn’t understand scholarly articles. You can summarize your results, make recommendations, educate the public, give your opinion on topics in the news and collaborate with reporters. To promote your projects and achievements, feel free to ask for assistance from uOttawa Media Relations.
Here are some examples:
Audiovisuals convey information quickly and allow you to condense knowledge without losing anything. While designing and producing them requires time and resources (and sometimes expert assistance), they are worth considering. Publications with images are much more popular — in other words, more read — than those without, especially on social media.
Here are some audiovisual communication formats, with examples:
When we launch a project, we often think, “Oh, I need a website!” Indeed, a website is a very useful communication tool. However, if your project is short or you have little content to add, think it through before you start. A website requires planning, some technical knowledge and ongoing management. If you decide that the effort’s worth it, think about the following before you begin planning your site.
Events of all types remain a very practical knowledge mobilization tool to disseminate your research results, create networking opportunities and educate the public. Before you get started, ask yourself: Who is the target audience? What is the purpose of this event? What is the timeline? What is the budget? What resources do I have?
Your answers will help you determine the most appropriate type of event. Our Marketing and communications team has a live event planning checklist. If you want to organize an on-campus event, you can also email Conventions and Reservations for advice.
Some event types:
The University and the Faculty of Social Sciences offer funding programs for on-campus events:
Here are some expenses to consider in your budget: equipment, room, and furniture rental; technical support; food and drink; décor; and recordings.
These rough amounts are for information purposes only. Be sure to contact a service provider and ask for a full estimate.
Request a list of service providers by sending an email to Mireille Brownhill.
The Social Sciences (FSS) and Vanier (VNR) buildings will be open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thank you for your patience and collaboration.
120 University Private
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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5
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