Skip to McMaster Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to main content
McMaster logo

Knowledge Mobilization Toolkit

Welcome to the Knowledge Mobilization Toolkit.

If you’re just getting started, we recommend you begin with Knowledge Mobilization: The Basics.

Below you can filter by Resource Categories:

Knowledge Mobilization: The Basics Building a KMB Strategy Communicating Your Research Data Visualization
Understanding How Humans Make Decisions Research Meets Policy Decision-Making Tools Measuring Impact

You can also filter by Resource Type:

Article Blog Post Book Book Chapter Guide In Person Resource Journal Article Slideshow Video Webpage

You can also enter your own search using keywords, types of resources you’re looking for, or any other specific criteria you’d like to filter our Resources (eg., ‘positionality’ or ‘video’ or ‘introduction’).

Have an issue or feedback about these resources? You can help us strengthen the toolkits by filling out this form -> 

Resource Listing

Uncertainty’s impact on our decision-making

Uncertainty plaguing your decision-making? Brief introduction to the what, why, and how of uncertainty’s influence on our decision-making.

A (brief) history of rationality

Not so rational? Fun and informative video on the limits of rationality in the decision-making process.

Data and intuition

Trust your gut or look to the numbers? Easy-to-read and informative article discussing the importance of using both data and intuition when making decisions.

Intuitive decision-making

Intuition vs. deliberation. A quick primer on using intuitive decision-making when faced with uncertainty.

What is truth?

True or false? Brief introduction to the role of truth and perception in the decision-making process.

Three theories of truth

What is truth? Easily follow Professor Galindo as he discusses three key theories of truth.

Postmodern theories of truth

What is truth? Easily follow Professor Galdindo as he explains postmodern theories of truth.

How to make smart decisions more easily

Too many decisions on your plate? A quick introduction to the what and why of decision fatigue.

Decision fatigue explained

Tired from all those decisions? An easy-to-follow explainer on what decision fatigue is and why we ought to know about it.

Noise and flaws in human judgement

: A quick and easy-to-follow read introducing the concept of decision hygiene and how it can help reduce faulty judgment when making decisions.

Three principles for making better decisions

The cost of bad decisions. An in-depth discussion of key principles of decision hygiene to help you make better decisions.

Biases

Want to know more about the mental shortcuts we all take? Seamlessly navigate this index to explore different kinds of biases and heuristics and how they impact our decision-making.

Heuristics explained

Why do we take mental shortcuts? A quick and easy-to-understand explanation of how heuristics impact our judgement.

How heuristics impact our judgment

Why do we take mental shortcuts? An informative video discussing how heuristics impact our judgment in an easy-to-follow way.

Intro to behavioral ethics

Why do people make ethical (and unethical) decisions? Learn about behavioral ethics in this short but informative introduction.

Behavioral ethics in practice

Why do good people often screw up? Learn about behavioral ethics in this in-depth discussion of how and why we make moral decisions.

Storytelling for impact

You’ve got your data, so now what? Easily navigate through self-paced modules exploring the importance of telling stories when communicating your research.

Storytelling with purpose

Unsure how to craft a data-driven story? Check out this in-depth discussion of the what, why, and how of storytelling for impact.

Storytelling structure

Looking to structure a story for non-academic audiences? Easily follow Stephanie Evergreen’s quick introduction to the basic structure of stories for broader audiences.

Telling data-driven stories

Looking for a step-by-step breakdown of creating a data-driven story? Easily navigate through the steps with this self-paced workshop.

How to write plan-language summaries

Writing for diverse audiences – a straightforward guide to writing plain-language summaries of your research.

Op-ed writing: tips and tricks

What’s an op-ed? A quick and comprehensive rundown of how to write an op-ed.

How to write an op-ed

All you need to know about writing an op-ed. An in-depth discussion of the op-ed writing process.

Leveraging social media

Social media as a research communication tool? Learn how to use social media to expand the impact of your research.

A brief guide to social media

Tips and tricks – a guide to using Twitter and Facebook for knowledge mobilization

Social media strategies for research

Strategy, strategy, strategy. An in-depth discussion of developing and assessing your social media strategy.

Practical tips for tweeting research and networking

How to tweet your research – a deep dive into tweeting and networking on Twitter.

Dataviz for social media

Is that data viz social media approved? Improve the success of your dataviz on social media from this short and informative article.

Compelling websites

Need to build a website, but unsure where to start? Learn about the dos and don’ts in this informative video.

Tips for building a website for your program of research, project, or lab

Need to build a website, but unsure where to start? Tips and tricks to creating a stunning and informative website.

SFU scholarly podcasters are redefining peer-reviewed work

Redefining scholarly output one podcast at a time – an introduction to the potential of academic podcasting.

Podcasting guide

What is academic podcasting? Learn about the basics in this short and informative guide.

So, you want to make a podcast?

Podcast interviewing – a deep dive into getting a good podcast interview.

A guide to academic podcasting

So, you’ve decided to make an academic podcast? Easily navigate the process in this informative guide.

Building compelling videos for knowledge mobilization

New to video-making? Learn some practical tips for making compelling video in an inviting format.

Total beginner’s guide to video editing

Video editing 101. Learn tips and tricks to making the editing process a breeze. Full title: Total beginner’s guide to video editing

15 best free video editing software

What video editing software should you use? Easily navigate your options in this list of 15 top software programs.

Infographics toolkit

Why infographics? A short and informative guide to using infographics as a knowledge mobilization strategy.

Infographic design for knowledge mobilization

Why use infographics? Learn about the benefits of infographics and how to design them in this in-depth guide.

Accessible and inclusive event planning

Planning an event? Learn all you need to know about making your next event accessible and inclusive.

Guide to conducting accessible meetings

Unsure how to conduct accessible meetings? Easily learn tips and tricks to make your next meeting accessible.

Introducing research communication

New to the policy landscape? A brief and informative introduction to communicating research in the policy landscape.

Do we have the evidence generation house in order?

Need to know barriers to research communication. An informative discussion of the larger systemic forces we face in communicating our research to policymakers.

How should we summarize bodies of evidence?

Evidence vs. Knowledge. A brief discussion of how best to present evidence for impact.

Introduction to evidence-informed decision making

What’s evidence-informed decision making? A self-paced module that teaches you about each stage of the process in an interactive and informative way.

National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools’ learning centre

Looking to improve your evidence-informed decision making skills? An online platform offering 12 learning modules to build your skills.

A guide to evidence synthesis

Is an evidence synthesis right for you? Easily explore your options for compiling evidence for decision-makers in this informative guide.

Evidence synthesis in the social sciences

Evidence synthesis for the social sciences? Learn about what evidence synthesis looks like in the social sciences in this informative guide.

What are evidence gap maps and why are they important?

What the heck is an EGM? A brief and informative introduction to evidence gap maps and their use in the policy landscape.

Evidence and gap maps

Learn more about evidence gap maps and peruse examples from Campbell Collaboration, an influential social science research network.

Evidence gap maps

Learn more about evidence gap maps and peruse examples from 3ie, an NGO promoting evidence-informed development policies and programs.

Evidence gap maps

Learn more about evidence gap maps and peruse examples from UNICEF.

Writing for your audience

New to the policy landscape? A brief and informative introduction to writing for policy audiences.

Policy briefs

What’s in a policy brief? A short and informative introduction to writing policy briefs.

An essential guide to writing policy briefs

All you need to know about policy briefs in this comprehensive and eye-catching guide.

A toolkit for developing effective policy briefs

Need even more help writing your policy brief? Look no further than this comprehensive guide.

Design principles for data visualization – Part 1

Design and data visualization? A deep dive into design principles for data visualization.

Design principles for data visualization – Part 2

Design and data visualization? A deep dive into design principles for data visualization.

Data visualization tools

Unsure of which tools to use? An in-depth and informative explainer on how to use free data visual tools to make stellar visualizations.

Data visualization in excel

Better graphs... in excel? A fun and informative discussion of how to create stunning visualizations without expensive software.

Data visualisation resources

Unsure of which tool to use? Easily navigate your options for charting, coding, mapping, collecting, and colouring data.

Data visualisation checklist

Is your data visualization effective? Upload your visual and see where you can make improvements.

Data visualisation catalogue

Unsure of the right chart for your data? Easily navigate your options based on function with this chart selection tool.

Data storytelling in a diverse world

Diversity and data? An easy-to-understand introduction to the importance of making our data visualizations with inclusivity and equity in mind.

Applying equity awareness in data visualization

Diversity and data? A more in-depth look at the importance of using a diverse and inclusive lens when creating data visualizations.

10 guidelines for dataviz accessibility

Is your dataviz accessible? Easily determine whether your dataviz is accessible with this informative guide.

Visualizing data for colorblind readers

Which colors are best? Easily consider your options for choosing the right colour palette for readers who are colorblind.

How visualizing social inequality can make it worse

Is your visualization reinforcing harmful stereotypes? An in-depth look at how data design can perpetuate inequalities.

The challenges of measuring impact in arts and humanities

How to measure impact? A quick and easy-to-follow overview of why impact measurement is challenging for the arts and humanities.

How do we know if research and KMb make a difference?

Is your research making a difference? Check our this in-depth discussion of how to ensure the success of your KMb practice.

Guide to impact planning

This tool or that? Easily explore your options for measuring impact in this informative and user-friendly guide.

13 decision making techniques and tools

Unsure of how to make the right decision for your project? Easily explore these tools to help you make the right decision.

Root cause analysis using a fishbone diagram

Need to investigate the causes of an adverse event or near-miss? Learn about root cause analysis in this easy-to-follow guide.

How mind-mapping can support community decision-making

Easily learn how mind mapping can support participatory decision-making in this short and informative article.

Six thinking hats

Easily learn how a role-playing model can support participatory decision-making in this short and informative article.

Six thinking hats – an introductory video

Easily learn how a role-playing model can support participatory decision-making in this short and engaging video.

The reframing matrix

Stuck on problem in your research team or organization? Learn how to reframe and explore solutions in this informative guide.

Affinity diagram: how to organize information

Lots of information but not sure how to organize it? Use affinity diagramming to help identify common themes and process complex issues.

Affinity diagramming

Quickly learn how to use affinity diagramming to explore complex issues in this short and easy-to-follow video.

7 common project risks and how to prevent them

Risky business. Learn about common risks to your project and how to avoid them in this straightforward guide.

What is project risk management? 6 steps to boost success

Mitigating for risk? A how-to-guide to risk management.

How force field analysis enhances decision-making

Easily learn how to take stock and weigh the forces of your next big decision in this short and informative article.

Lewin’s force field analysis model

Easily learn how to take stock and weigh the forces of your next big decision in this in-depth video.

SWOT analysis

What the heck is SWOT? Learn how to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to help make decisions.

Decision trees for decision-making

Lots of factors to consider in making your decision? Learn about how to use decision-trees to determine potential choices and outcomes of your decisions.

How to create a decision tree

Quickly learn the fundamentals of how to create decision-trees in this short and informative video.

Eisenhower matrix template

Lots of tasks on your plate? Prioritize your tasks in this fillable Eisenhower matrix template.

Scenario planning in uncertain times

What’s in your control and what’s not? Learn about how to use scenario planning to navigate uncertain times for your project.

Scenario planning: process, tools, and example

An easy-to-follow guide on using scenario planning to navigate uncertainty in your organization or project.

Guide to process mapping

Got a great idea but unsure where to begin? Learn about how process mapping can help you make decisions and plan projects.

4 steps of the PEST analysis process

Scared of change? Learn to use PEST analysis to understand the causes and potential effects of unexpected changes to your organization or project.

How the priority matrix can help you focus on what matters most

This or that priority? A straightforward guide on using priority matrices to focus on what matters most.

Understanding the Pareto principle

What’s the 80/20 rule? Learn how to prioritize tasks and make better decisions in this easy-to-follow article.

Pareto analysis for problem solving

How to Pareto – a quick and comprehensive breakdown of how to engage in Pareto analysis to choose the best course of action.

Thinking Fast vs. Thinking Slow

Quickly learn how to avoid decision-making mistakes in this informative video on System 1 and System 2 thinking

System 1 and System 2 Thinking

Learn how we make decisions in this straightforward introduction to System 1 and System 2 thinking. 

Decision-making process

This or that? Easy-to-follow introduction to the decision-making process.

Guide to Building and Navigating Partnerships

From start to finish – a comprehensive guide to forming, navigating, and maintaining partnerships.

Building successful partnerships

What’s in a partnership? Learn about what makes for successful academic-community partnerships in this informative video.

Identifying and analyzing stakeholders and their interests

Lots of stakeholders to manage? Learn how to identify and analyze stakeholder interests to ensure the success of your project.

Stakeholder engagement guide of guides

Looking to explore your options? Seamlessly navigate through guide options in this master list of resources.

Connecting with your audience

Need help connecting with stakeholders? Easily explore the basics in this informative rundown of stakeholder engagement.

Knowledge mobilization, tenure, and grant applications

What about tenure and grants? An insightful discussion among senior academics of how to navigate promotion and grant writing while pursuing KMb activities.

Workshop – Mental models, trust and the translation of science

How can your research help with today’s problems? A collaborative workshop recording that offers a deep dive into how to effectively communicate your research beyond academia.

Introduction to mental models, trust and the translation of science

Is my message effective? An introduction to the role of mental models and trust in the uptake of research communication

KMb tools and strategies overview

Which tool to use? Brief guide introducing different types of knowledge mobilization tools and tips to using them.

Designing a communications plan

Ready to design your communication plan? In-depth discussion of how to develop a communications plan with lots of examples.

5 building blocks of a research communications plan

Not sure how to communicate your research to the public? Short introduction to the building blocks of a communications plan in an accessible video format.

Setting your knowledge mobilization goals

What is your knowledge mobilization goal? Short template for developing SMART goals for your knowledge mobilization strategy.

Knowledge Mobilization Plan

A step-by-step template to help you develop and implement your knowledge mobilization strategy.

Knowledge mobilization strategy how-to-guide

Got a good grasp of why knowledge mobilization is? Easily navigate through the steps of developing a knowledge mobilization strategy in this short, but comprehensive guide.

Kmb101: Introduction to knowledge mobilization

A complete noob or seasoned pro? Easily navigate through key components of knowledge mobilization and collect tools and tips as you go in this step-by-step module.

5 reasons for communicating research beyond academia

It’s not always clear why it’s important to extend the impact of our research. This video introduces 5 key reasons why we should communicate research beyond academia.

Knowledge Mobilization Toolkit: An Introduction

Allison Van introduces key ideas covered in this toolkit and emphasizes the importance of understanding how the brain works for improving research impact.

So what the heck is knowledge mobilization and why should I care?

Quick and comprehensive introduction to knowledge mobilization that will help you develop a knowledge mobilization strategy.