Center for Implementation Research

Centre for Implementation Research

Research results in several fields consistently hold promise, driven by the pursuit of new knowledge. A high priority for public health is knowledge translation, which the World Health Organization (WHO) defines as the exchange, synthesis and effective communication of reliable and relevant research results. However, the efforts to convert this knowledge into functional results often fall short. The uptake of an innovation or new knowledge is significantly influenced by contextual factors, rather than solely its proven effectiveness. Implementation science plays a crucial role by addressing various contextual barriers and facilitators, enhancing the likelihood of successfully integrating innovations and new knowledge into routine usage. Implementation research systematically investigates strategies to promote the effective uptake and integration of evidence-based interventions within real-world contexts. Many organizations conduct implementation research to improve the outreach and uptake of various national programs and policies. WHO has initiated an extensive and inclusive research priority-setting exercise in Knowledge Translation (KT) and Evidence-informed Policy-making (EIP) and is seeking to “highlight major research gaps, funding requirements, and collaboration opportunities, and represent a critical milestone towards the effective translation of evidence into policy.”1

The Centre for Implementation Research (CIR) at Jindal School of Public Health and Human Development serves as a central hub for addressing active research and bridging the gap in knowledge transfer. Its main goal is to support the effective application of evidence-based research findings across various disciplines. By thoroughly examining the factors that influence the uptake and consistency of these treatments, CIR provides essential information and support to academics, practitioners, and policymakers.

The CIR focuses on four main domains: 1) research uptake, 2) implementation research in the policy arena, 3) implementation research in interventions and 4) how AI could enhance implementation strategies. In these domains, the CIR endevours to bridge the gap between knowledge production and knowledge valorization by collaborating with ongoing research projects within JGU and externally to streamline their knowledge uptake and valorization processes. This is CIR’s immediate initiative and we will gradually expand our collaborations and offer consultancies to other stakeholders, including WHO and government agencies, to undertake implementation research projects in policy and interventions, as a long-term initiative.

The CIR endeavors to translate knowledge into meaningful actions by developing implementation strategies for various initiatives, considering stakeholder demands and contextual factors. To build capacity, the CIR hosts workshops and training sessions to equip researchers, practitioners, and policymakers with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective implementation. As a center for research and teaching, the CIR offers internships and dissertation research opportunities for masters level students.