The UBC Knowledge Exchange and SFU Knowledge Mobilization units, in partnership with UBC Health and Genome BC are thrilled to announce the intake of our second cohort for the SFU-UBC Implementation Science Training Initiative.
This collaborative initiative aims to increase British Columbia’s research capacity in implementation science by increasing grant funding for projects by BC-based researchers and growing the province's network of implementation scientists. The initiative is adapted from a proven program1 into a made-for-BC opportunity.
The implementation science (IS) training initiative is a two-year training program targeted towards early- to mid-career health researchers (from wide range of health-related topics and disciplines in psychology, urban planning, gerontology, biomedical engineering, health geography, health education and promotion, etc.) who are interested in or embarking on projects that focus on the science of implementation. isti-info
Applications are open Oct 15, 2024 – Dec 15, 2024.
New for 2025 - Primary Team-Based Care stream and Genomics stream
We are thrilled to announce two special streams for IS Scholars in partnership with UBC Health and Genome BC.
Primary Team-Based Care Stream
The Primary Team-Based Care (TBC) Stream, supported by UBC Health, is open to scholars who are passionate about advancing innovative, team-based solutions to primary care challenges in BC.
Scholars who join this stream will have the opportunity to:
Collaborate with leading experts in primary team-based care.
Contribute to innovative solutions that improve primary team-based care.
Engage in knowledge exchange with diverse partners at UBC and beyond.
Eligibility and Application Process
Scholars are eligible to apply if they:
Meet the general program eligibility criteria.
Are proposing a project with a focus on primary team-based care and interprofessional collaboration in health care.
Can commit to engage with the UBC Health Gateway to TBC team during the duration of the program.
To apply for this stream, follow the general application guidelines and clearly state your interest in this stream in your application. Applications will be considered as part of the overall program intake process
What is primary team-based care?
Primary care is a model of care that supports first-contact, accessible, continuous, comprehensive and coordinated person-focused care. Within a team-based model of care, multiple health care providers from different professional backgrounds work together and with patients/clients, families, caregivers, and communities to deliver comprehensive health services across health settings.
Genomics Stream
The Genomics Stream, supported by Genome BC, is open to Scholars working on innovative implementation science projects that address pressing challenges in genomics and health.
Eligibility and Application Process
Scholars are eligible to apply if they:
Meet the general program eligibility criteria.
Are proposing a project with a focus on genomics and health.
To apply for this stream, follow the general application guidelines and clearly state your interest in this stream in your application. Applications will be considered as part of the overall program intake process.
What does implementation science in Genomics look like?
Implementation science in genomics spans across the lifecycle of health technology adoption. This includes bringing genomics innovations and tools into medical laboratories, scaling up technology to serve more patients, educating the medical community and public, and advancing health policies and regulations. Building implementation science capacity is critical to aid in equitable and responsible adoption of genomics technologies in BC.
What does the program entail?
Scholars will participate in two 3-day in-person intensives, quarterly webinar sessions, and monthly meetings with an assigned mentor, to develop core competencies in implementation science. Our mentors are leaders in implementation science and will provide guidance and support throughout the program. Scholars will also learn from institute faculty, and recognized implementation science experts through lectures and small-group breakout sessions.
To support this work and the time invested in developing these skills, a research stipend will be provided to cover research-related expenses, such as hiring a research assistant or other eligible research expenses as per Tri-Council guidelines, etc.
What is the difference between implementation practice and implementation science?
Implementation practice is concerned with the actual process of putting a plan, program, or intervention into action. It involves the day-to-day activities, strategies, and actions needed to implement a specific intervention in a particular setting.
It focuses on the "how-to" aspects of implementation, such as training staff, managing resources, and monitoring progress. The goal is to ensure that an intervention is delivered effectively and reaches the intended population.
Practitioners work on the ground to overcome challenges, adapt strategies to local contexts, and ensure that the intervention is implemented as intended.
Implementation practice often varies based on the specific context, such as healthcare, education, or social services. It is tailored to the needs, resources, and constraints of the particular environment.
Implementation science is the study of methods and strategies that facilitate the uptake, integration, and sustainability of evidence-based practices, programs, and policies in real-world settings.
It is more concerned with understanding why and how certain implementation strategies work or don’t work. Researchers in this field investigate factors that influence implementation, such as organizational culture, leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
It often relies on theoretical frameworks and models to guide the study of implementation processes.
The primary aim is to improve the effectiveness of implementation by identifying best practices, barriers, and facilitators. It also aims to close the gap between research and practice by ensuring that evidence-based interventions are more widely and effectively adopted.
Learn more about implementation science:
What is implementation science? (source: University of Washington)
Implementation Science 101 (source: KT Connects)
Who should apply to be an implementation science scholar?
Applicants should have emerging or developing implementation science project ideas to work on through the program, working towards proposal development and/or the initiation of pilot projects.
General Eligibility:
Priority will be given to early and mid-career (within 1 to 15 years of appointment) health researchers holding independent researchers or academic appointments at UBC or SFU.
Must be working towards submitting an implementation science-focused grant within the next two years.
Able to fully participate in two 3-day in-person intensives in Vancouver to be held on May 12-14, 2025, and again in May 2026, and ongoing mentorship sessions throughout the year.
Application process
Applications for the SFU-UBC Implementation Science Initiative close on Dec 15, 2024.
To apply, interested individuals are required to submit their application packages online. Proposals will vary according to your discipline/professional background, but your application should clearly outline:
How your goals aligns with the goals of implementation science training program and how you will contribute to capacity building in British Columbia.
Describe the implementation science research project you plan to develop during the program, including the specific aims, study design, and general approach.
An abbreviated CV highlighting your recent experience that will lead to the work you will develop during the program.
A letter of support from your department Dean or Director, indicating their support for your participation in the training program.
Eligibility Criteria:
Priority will be given to early to mid-career (within 1-15 years within their appointment) health researchers with autonomous academic or research appointments (independent researchers) at UBC or SFU.
Potential impact of this training program on your career trajectory.
Demonstrated commitment and interest to implementation science research.
Ability to support future implementation science capacity building within your research networks (trainees, teams).
Quality and fit of the implementation science focused project.
Evidence of ability and commitment to attend the full training program (includes two in-person intensives, monthly mentor meetings and quarterly webinars).
Consideration will be given to representing the diversity of health research.
For additional information regarding the eligibility criteria, please refer to:
Oct 2024 SFU-UBC Implementation Science Training Initiative_ Evaluation Rubric
Learn more at our upcoming information session on November 14, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00pm (Zoom)
Program timelines
October 15, 2024 | Application opens |
November 14, 2024 | Info Session (register here) |
December 15, 2024 | Deadline for application submission |
January 2025 | Adjudication of applications |
End of January 2025 | Notification of applications |
May 12 – 14, 2025 | In-person intensive training (mandatory) |
June 2025 | Research stipend distributed |
June 2025 - April 2026 | Quarterly webinars and monthly mentor meetings |
May 2026 | In-person intensive training (mandatory) |
June 2026 - April 2027 | Quarterly webinars and monthly mentor meetings |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scope of health research?
We define health research as any research that aims to positively influence health practice, policy, and systems. This can include a wide range of topics and disciplines, spanning from psychology to urban planning to gerontology to biomedical engineering to health geography to health education and promotion, etc.
How long and what is the format of the program?
The program spans 2 years with in-person intensives set for May 12– 14, 2025, and May 2026. It also includes quarterly webinars and monthly mentor meetings.
Is full attendance required for intensives and webinars?
Yes, Scholars are expected to fully participate in the in-person intensives and all scheduled webinars.
Are doctoral students or postdoctoral fellows eligible for the program?
No, the program is exclusively for independent researchers with an academic or research appointment.
Are researchers who are not affiliated with SFU or UBC eligible for the program?
Priority will be given to SFU or UBC appointed independent researchers. Independent researchers at other BC based postsecondary institutions and/or other non-profit institutions eligible to administer tri-council funding are welcome to apply.
Can individuals without a full-time academic or research appointment, or those whose appointments have not yet begun, still submit applications?
Yes, individuals without a full-time appointment can apply, provided their appointment starts within 6 months of the IS intensive start date and allows the individual to pursue independent research activities for the entire duration of the program.
Can my implementation science-focused research take place outside of BC?
Yes, your implementation science-focused research can be conducted within BC, Canada, or globally.
Are projects that have already started eligible for this program?
Yes, if it is a health-related implementation science-focused project and in the early phases of the work. Applicants wishing to use current projects are encouraged to consult with us on the project's appropriateness for this program prior to submission.
Is prior knowledge and/or experience of implementation science required to apply?
No, applicants without advanced implementation science knowledge/experience can apply. However, applicants should have emerging or developing implementation science project ideas to work on throughout the program.
Do we need to pay tuition fees to participate in the IS Training Initiative?
No, there are no tuition fees associated with the program. The IS Initiative will provide a research stipend to cover research-related expenses, such as hiring a research assistant or other eligible research expenses as per Tri-Council guidelines.
In partnership with:
Contacts:
- Dr. Genevieve Creighton (Manager, Knowledge Exchange, UBC) gen.creighton@ubc.ca
- Dr. Lupin Battersby (Director, Knowledge Mobilization, SFU) lupin_battersby@sfu.ca
1 The Institute for Implementation Science Scholars (formerly the Mentored Training for Dissemination and Implementation Research in Cancer Control [MT-DIRC]) hosted at Washington University in St Louis, see Padek et al 2018.