Knowledge Mobilization

Knowledge Mobilization Services for Research Projects

Water Institute, University of Waterloo 

Integrating knowledge mobilization early and throughout a research project is a strong predictor of real‑world impact. Thoughtful KM helps align research with user needs, builds trusted partnerships, and ensures research outputs are accessible, useful, and ready for uptake. 

The Water Institute offers tailored knowledge mobilization support to help you strengthen funding proposals, engage partners, and ensure your research reaches the right audiences. 

What We Can Help With

Strategic Planning

  • Clarify how your research will be used and by whom 

  • Develop compelling knowledge mobilization strategies for funding proposals 

  • Identify key audiences, partners, and end‑users,  

  • Identify knowledge gaps, pathways to impact, and opportunities for uptake 

  • Align KM plans with research project goals at any stage of the research lifecycle 

Knowledge Translation & Communication

  • Translate complex research into clear, actionable formats 

  • Plain‑language summaries, reports, and policy briefs 

  • Infographics, fact sheets, videos, and visual assets 

  • Develop and maintain websites, newsletters, and shared communication tools 

  • Storytelling approaches that highlight relevance and impact 

Engagement & Collaboration

  • Meaningful, productive engagement with partners and stakeholders 

  • Facilitate partnerships and co‑creation processes 

  • Design and lead workshops, focus groups, annual meetings, or kick‑off sessions 

  • Support research networks, working groups, and engagement structures 

  • Build trust, shared understanding, and relevance throughout the project 

Dissemination & Outreach

  • Showcase findings and extend the reach of your work 

  • Presentations tailored for diverse audiences 

  • Support for conferences, webinars, and knowledge‑exchange events 

  • Use of digital platforms such as social media, newsletters, and websites 

  • Planning for synthesis, legacy, and long‑term impact 

Capacity Building

  • Build KM skills within research teams and students 

  • Training sessions on knowledge mobilization, research impact, and communication 

  • Workshops on clear writing, storytelling, and audience‑focused messaging 

  • Design support for KM plans and implementation for researchers 

Levels of Support

In‑Kind Knowledge Mobilization and Communications Support (Free)

Available to Water Institute members. This includes: 

  • General advice on KM strategies for funding proposals 

  • Guidance on effective KM tools and tactics 

  • Support identifying partners or end‑users 

  • Training and skills development opportunities for students through WaterLeadership 

  • Sharing research findings and projects in WaterNews the Water Institute’s newsletter 

Research Project Support

For larger or more complex projects, we offer customized, hands‑on support that can be integrated throughout the research lifecycle: from proposal development to dissemination and legacy planning. 

Support is tailored to your project’s scope, partners, and timeline and may include ongoing strategic guidance, facilitation, communications, and reporting support. 

Let's Talk

Whether you want to strengthen a funding application, build meaningful partnerships, or increase the reach and impact of your research, we’re here to help. 

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your project and explore what level of support would best meet your needs. 


 

Contact: Knowledge Mobilization Specialist, Elanor Waslander – ewaslander@uwaterloo.ca