By communicating their research widely and linking it with policy and practices, researchers can promote sound knowledge translation and make their work matter. Ensuring that good science reaches people and leads to positive action, however, requires strategic action, creativity, and communication skills.
Over the last seven years, Research Matters (RM), a joint IDRC-Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation project, worked with developing-country researchers to help them make their research better known and used. RM provided them with technical and financial support so that their research results could reach a wider audience and inform change. The capacity-building support took many forms, from institutional support to assistance in preparing media projects and various types of training materials and workshops.
The Knowledge Translation Toolkit is a key RM result. Drawing from the experience of specialists around the world, the book provides a compilation of theories, tools, and strategies to enhance the capacity and motivation of researchers to translate knowledge and use it effectively. Consult the toolkit.
RM funded several media projects. For instance, a project with BBC World Service Trust developed a successful radio program on health issues in East Africa. The 41-issue Kimasomaso radio program covered issues from health facilities in slums to governance of health systems. By reaching out to over 4.5 million listeners, it led to a surge of interest in health policy issues among youth, researchers, and decision-makers.
Read more about the RM outputs below.