Knowledge Mobilization (KMb) Activities Menu

The Knowledge Mobilization (KMb) Activities Menu provides ideas for scholars to move their research into action. We have divided the activities into three categories to offer options as researchers start out; however, there can be overlaps as some methods have rich outcomes.

Different strategies are best for different audiences; such variety allows knowledge to be represented in curated ways depending on audience, content, and intent. Learn more about knowledge mobilization planning here.

Don't know where to start or what KMb activity fits your needs?

University of Calgary publications

UToday publishes daily news and events from across the university's faculties and units. To pitch your research or partnership story, please send an email or connect with your faculty communications team. 

KE Spotlight is Knowledge Engagement's vibrant and engaging monthly newsletter that highlights UCalgary's innovative partnerships and knowledge mobilization efforts.

arch Magazine features alumni, faculty, students, supporters, and curious readers at large, arch reflects and amplifies the innovation, creativity, and relevance of our researchers, big thinkers, and storytellers.

UCalgary Alumni Magazine promotes stories and activities led by our community, on-campus and beyond. 

Faculty and department newsletters are facilitated by individual units on campus and can be reached through the contacts directory or your unit administrator/communicator.

PRISM is UCalgary's institutional repository for publications, projects, presentations, and more. It houses resources from different faculties, offices, and institutes associated with the university. 

External publications

The Conversation Canada is an independent source of news and perspectives from the research community. UCalgary is a founding member, and many of our scholars publish in the venue. Some examples:

• Dr. Penny Pexman, PhD and Emiko Muraki write about Aphantasia
• Dr. Bonnie Lashewicz and Pauline Hull write about care workers' mental health
• Dr. Christopher Bruce, PhD writes about public policy's relationship with science

UCalgary Newsroom can connect you with public news outlets for wider dissemination and coverage.

Start engaging with audiences through some of the options we identify below.

• Art exhibitions showcase artworks that often link pieces to broader histories or cultures. Art exhibitions can offer multi-sensory experiences that enrich learning.
• Citizen Science is a program that lets members of the public participate in scientist-led research happening in local communities. The Citizen Science Portal offers a catalogue of opportunities.
• Co-design sessions with Partners are collaborative opportunities where two or more parties convene to plan and design projects.
• Conferences host scholars to present on the newest developments in the field. Some conferences use peer-review style assessment for proposals.
• Lunch and learns are one-hour presentations that also allow participants to network. These can be organized as a series under an overarching theme.
• Live performances vary in mode and can be musical presentations, interpretative dances, and interactive plays. These enrich the learning experience through creativity.
• Networking events are great opportunities to learn and grow from others. These events help maximize professional networks and create meaningful connections. 
• Oral history or storytelling is anchored on the narrative dimension of teaching. Stories help listeners understand histories through a linear way.
• Panel presentations consist of several scholars or experts in the field who are asked to provide knowledge on a particular topic. Panel presentations that have Q&As allow for audience interaction.
• Public talks or lectures mobilize knowledge by translating research into presentations catered to a broader, more general audience.
• Roundtables are moderated discussions where experts engage in thoughtful conversation. Roundtables are set up to allow participants to contribute equally.
• Science Cafés are casual and lively gatherings that are open to the public. Science Cafés engage audiences by bringing in scientists who lead the conversation. See CIHR's Café Scientifique Program 2023. 
• Social media covers web-based platforms that we use to connect, such as LinkedIn and Twitter. Social media offers a highly engaging and effective method to share knowledge and engage through interactivity.
• Working groups are highly collaborative units that tackle specific initiatives. Consisting of researchers and experts, working groups offer informed decisions on projects.
• Workshops are hands-on opportunities where participants are guided from theory to application. An example is Knowledge Engagement’s SSHRC Finding Your Fit Workshop.

Knowledge Engagement can facilitate your participation in the following event: 

• Ask a Scientist! offers university faculty the opportunity to give half-hour talks in their research field to kids aged 8-12 for the Ultimate Summer Challenge, in partnership with the Calgary Public Library. Read about the 2022 series.

The Office of Indigenous Engagement can facilitate your participation in the following events:

• National Indigenous History Month and Orange Shirt Day are part of the month-long reflection on Canadian Indigenous history and offers ways to collaborate towards the path of reconciliation. 

• Campfire Chats celebrate Indigenous culture through meaningful presentations that show the rich and diverse history of Indigenous peoples. 

The Cumming School of Medicine can facilitate your participation in the following event:

• Science in the Cinema offers researchers and the public an opportunity to come together for a science-based film screening, followed by an interactive Q&A with experts.