Researchers in the sciences, humanities and social sciences across Ontario are regularly publishing important findings and generating new knowledge, but managing and communicating their work is not often part of their formal training. 

Now, thanks to the collaborative efforts of eight Ontario universities, including Trent, researchers have access to the Knowledge Management and Communication of Research course, a free online resource for researchers to get their findings out to the broader public. The resource also includes key strategies for community engagement and collaboration throughout the research process.  

“Millions of dollars are being invested into research activity at Trent University and universities across Ontario, which is producing a wealth of knowledge that has great social, economic, and public value,” says Dr. Cathy Bruce, vice president of Research & Innovation at Trent University. “Through this unique collaboration between Trent’s Office of Research & Innovation and seven other universities in Ontario, we were able to create a resource that is designed to support researchers across Ontario, so they are more successful in getting the word out about their findings.” 

The Knowledge Management and Communication of Research course is the result of a year-long collaboration—which received $165,000 from Ontario through its Virtual Learning Strategy. The project was led by Trent University alongside Brock University, Guelph University, Sir Wilfrid Laurier University, Queen’s University, Ontario Tech, Ryerson University and York University. The Trent Online e-learning staff also played a leading role in the design and management of this online course. 

The course is a series of learning modules that can be purposed for general use, as a micro-credential, or can be embedded in a professional development program or for-credit course. Its intent is to help graduate students, early career researchers, and even more senior researchers in managing their data, collaborations, and related communications.  

“The Knowledge Management and Communication micro-credential is an integrated approach to defining, structuring, retaining, and sharing knowledge through networking, building community partnerships, and understanding market uses,” says Dr. Jim Banting, AVP of Partnerships and Innovation at Queen’s University. “Students and early career researchers taking the course can progress through the modules at their own pace, and in the end it’s a win-win: the researchers have a new tool kit by which to communicate their research and the public benefits from new research fundings.” 

Explore the Knowledge Management and Communications course.  

This is one of several projects at Trent that received nearly $1 million through the Government of Ontario’s Virtual Learning Strategy (VLS). The VLS is being delivered through eCampusOntario, a non-profit organization assisting post-secondary institutions in developing and testing open-access resources and online learning tools to advance the use of education technology and digital learning environments.