The Building Impactful MSK Health Research: Knowledge Mobilization Summer School took place from July 6–10, 2026 at Western University! The Summer School was a collaboration between the Canadian MSK Rehab Research Network, the Western Bone and Joint Institute, and the Musculoskeletal Innovation Factory.
The program brought together 40 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from across Canada representing 15 universities and 9 provinces.
This immersive five-day training program was designed to strengthen trainees’ knowledge mobilization skills and provide practical tools for translating research into meaningful improvements in healthcare, policy, education, and community practice. The program featured expert presentations, interactive workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences that emphasized collaboration and real-world application.
The Summer School introduced participants to the principles and practice of knowledge mobilization, exploring how research can be effectively communicated, implemented, and sustained across diverse settings. Throughout the week, trainees learned from leading researchers, patient partners, knowledge users, communication specialists, and innovation experts who shared practical strategies for moving evidence beyond academic publications and into practice.
Thank you to all participating researchers, patient partners, knowledge users, trainees, and the summer school administrative team for making this event a major success!
As part of our initiative to support trainee development, we have included the slideshows from speaker sessions below:
Overview of Knowledge Mobilization – Dr. Joy MacDermid
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization in Knowledge Mobilization – Dr. Codie Primeau
Citizen Science – Dr. Codie Primeau
Planning a TED talk – Dr. Jeff Preston
Planning a Patient Educational Program – Monica Lin
Lay Writing and Health Literacy – Dr. Tara Packham
Publications – Dr. Tara Packham
Use of AI Tools in Knowledge Mobilization – Dr. Dave Walton
Co-Design of Sensorized Devices – Jamie Kim
Developing a Social Media Strategy – Lilian Toma
Creating an Infographic – Kieran Waitschies
Making a Compelling PowerPoint Presentation – Kieran Waitschies
Arts Based Knowledge Mobilization – Dr. Hani Sadati
Writing a Knowledge Mobilization Plan for Research Projects and Grants – Mariam Hayward
Technology Transfer and Commercialization and Entrepreneurship – Sarah Brooks