Conducting high-quality research is important, but it's also important to make that research accessible and relevant to those who can use it. Research translation is about bridging the gap between knowledge and action.
How to effectively translate research
The most effective way of translating research is to consider translation from the outset. This means focusing on what the research means for policy and practice, and engaging with practitioners throughout the project.
Key questions that every researcher should ask of their project are:
- Who might be able to use the research and for what purpose?
- How can they be engaged throughout the project to provide guidance and feedback, and/or trial innovations?
- How can the findings of the research be communicated broadly, in an engaging way, to those who might use it?
- How can the impact and usefulness of the research be measured?
An effective
end-user engagement plan (DOCX, 100KB) will help guide the engagement process throughout the research project.
Examples of research that engages end-users in practical ways
Innovative Learning Environments and Teacher Change project
To engage teachers, the project team has been holding workshops for teachers, examining what drives shifts in teaching practice, what impacts those changes have, and the role of learning environments in teacher change.
Workshops allow participants to share stories of changes in their personal practice, and to reflect on those experiences, examining the forces at play that drive changes in teaching practice. The aim of the workshop series is to find out from teachers how their experiences of learning spaces influence their teaching and to give them the opportunity to reflect on their own practice and learn from others. It also allows them to have input to the project at this early stage.
For more information, visit the
Innovative Learning Environments and Teacher Change project.
The Autism Cooperative Research Centre "Lab to Life" scholar visits
The Autism Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) wants to make sure that scholars who graduate with Autism CRC funding or complete fellowships with the CRC, are well-rounded scientists and well informed regarding the:
- range of professionals who work in teams to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families
- type of challenges faced by individuals on the spectrum and their families across the lifespan
- opportunities to meaningfully engage with individuals on the spectrum and their families.
To this end, scholars spend time (three visits of 1-3 days each) with professionals (paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, regular and special education teachers, social workers etc.) who work with individuals with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. These visits occur in different research settings from biological, neuroscience, or genetics laboratories to school classrooms, family environments, workplaces and the community. The aim of these visits is, among other things, to:
- develop an appreciation of the impact of ASD on individuals and their families
- develop an ability to discuss research and clinical aspects of ASD with different professionals who hold different perspectives and specific expertise related to the ASD spectrum
- be able to communicate with individuals with ASD and their families about their lived experiences as well as various research projects.
For more information, visit
Autism CRC.