Research that includes the active involvement of those who are the subject of the research. Participatory research is usually action-oriented, where those involved in the research process collaborate to define the research project, collect and analyze the data, produce a final product and act on the results.
A partner organization participates actively in a formal partnership and contributes in a meaningful way to the success of the endeavour. A partner organization may be, for example, a […] postsecondary institution, government department (federal, provincial, territorial, municipal), for-profit or not-for-profit organization, or foundation.
An individual whose data, biological materials, or responses to interventions, stimuli, or questions by a researcher are relevant to answering the research question(s). Also referred to as a “human participant,” and in other policies/guidance as “subject” or “research subject.”
A knowledge-user is an individual who is likely to be able to use the knowledge generated through research to make informed decisions about [...] policies, programs and/or practices. A knowledge-user's level of engagement in the research process may vary in intensity and complexity depending on the nature of the research and his/her information needs. A knowledge-user can be, but is not limited to, a practitioner, policy-maker, educator, decision-maker, health care administrator, community leader, or an individual in a health charity, patient group, private sector organization, or media outlet.
A body of researchers, community members, and others with specific expertise (e.g., in ethics, in relevant research disciplines) established by an institution to review the ethical acceptability of all research involving humans conducted within the institution’s jurisdiction or under its auspices.
A Living Lab is an open innovation research method that aims to develop new products and services. The approach promotes a process of co-creation with end-users in real conditions and relies on an ecosystem of public-private-citizen partnerships.
User-centered design (UCD) is an iterative design process in which designers focus on the users and their needs in each phase of the design process. In UCD, design teams involve users throughout the design process via a variety of research and design techniques, to create highly usable and accessible products for them.
integrated knowledge translation (IKT) involves engaging and integrating those who will need to act on the findings, the knowledge users, into the research process. IKT requires researchers and knowledge users to develop partnerships and engage in a collaborative process with the overarching goal being the co-production of knowledge, its exchange and its translation into action. Researchers and research users work together to shape the research process by collaborating to determine the research questions, deciding on the methodology, being involved in data collection and tools development, interpreting the findings, and helping disseminate the research results. By integrating knowledge users at every stage, KT becomes woven into the process and researchers minimise the possibilities of unanticipated barriers that may occur when attempting to act upon results with stakeholders.
The reciprocal and complementary flow and uptake of research knowledge between researchers, knowledge brokers and knowledge users—both within and beyond academia—in such a way that may benefit users and create positive impacts within a country and/or internationally, and, ultimately, has the potential to enhance the profile, reach and impact of […] research. Knowledge mobilization initiatives must address at least one of the following, as appropriate, depending on research area and project objectives, context, and target audience: Within academia: informs, advances and/or improves: research agendas; theory; and/or methods. Beyond academia: informs: public debate; policies; and/or practice; enhances/improves services; and/or informs the decisions and/or processes of people in business, government, the media, practitioner communities and civil society.
