Citation, extracts and a comment from me below.
CITATION: Bull World Health Organ. 2026 Jan 14;104(2):124–126. doi: 10.2471/BLT.25.294211
Towards a shared vision for research on evidence-informed policy-making
Bastien Kolt a,✉, Tanja Kuchenmüller a, Ahmed Mandil b, Annette Boaz c, Daniel F Patiño-Lugo d, John C Reeder a, Kathryn Oliver e, Robert F Terry f, Sarah C Charnaud a, Tarang Sharma a, Tikki Elka Pangestu g
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12834343/
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EXTRACTS
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines knowledge translation as the exchange, synthesis and effective communication of reliable and relevant research results. Also known as research utilization or knowledge mobilization, knowledge translation is a transdisciplinary process that promotes sustained interaction between researchers and users, tailoring information so that evidence-informed policy-making interventions are more widely adopted... with the emergence of competing narratives and misinformation, the need for evidence-informed policy has become increasingly critical.
A growing body of research on knowledge translation examines the methods, mechanisms and measurements that shape how evidence is produced, disseminated, used and can be promoted in policy-making...
Yet, despite widespread implementation, evidence on the effectiveness of knowledge translation interventions for policy-makers and on how they influence decisions remains limited... Knowledge translation research is fragmented and insufficiently coordinated within and across disciplines, sectors and countries...
To address these challenges, we saw a strategic role for WHO in convening evidence producers, users, intermediaries and funders to collaboratively set research priorities and catalyse investments to reduce research waste. WHO identified the importance of a multidisciplinary research agenda that addresses key gaps in how evidence informs policy and practice. This effort must be global and equitable to break silos, enhance research coordination, bridge disciplinary divides and enrich the current body of knowledge in this area...
In the first stage, WHO commissioned an evidence map on the art and science of using evidence, and a literature review of previous knowledge translation research prioritization exercises... The second stage involved expert consultations and a modified Delphi exercise to refine the list and build consensus on top priorities... The third and final stage, which is ongoing, focuses on disseminating the global research agenda and promoting its uptake among end-users through the development of context-specific local agendas, and translating priorities into actionable research projects. Engagement with researchers and funders to ensure alignment with global priorities is key. To initiate implementation, the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases launched a call for research proposals in May 2025, receiving 430 submissions; five projects were selected and will begin work in 2026...
The outcome of this process is a clear, prioritized list of knowledge translation research areas, endorsed by the global knowledge translation and evidence-informed policy community, to guide researchers, academics, funders, governments, civil society and international organizations in their knowledge translation research activities, strategic planning and funding decisions.
The global research agenda aims to enhance our understanding of effective knowledge translation, raise awareness about research priorities and reduce research waste. These objectives will be supported by shifting focus from over-researched topics to those aligned with actual policy needs and evidence gaps and by strengthening coordination efforts, such as the Global Coalition for Evidence, that foster collaboration between researchers and funders...
The research prioritization coincided with the launch of the Global Coalition for Evidence at the Global Evidence Summit in September 2024. Efforts are underway to integrate the research agenda within the Coalition’s mandate, where a dedicated working group will focus on translating the global research agenda into tangible research and coordinating engagement with the knowledge translation community. The coalition provides a sustainable platform for collaboration and convening with all relevant interest-holders.
To implement the global research agenda, we call on all actors involved in generating, prioritizing, funding and translating knowledge translation research to take several actions. First, join the Global Coalition for Evidence to advance this initiative and benefit from: (i) strengthened coordination around a shared agenda to ensure complementarity and avoid duplication; (ii) opportunities for global dialogue and peer exchange; and (iii) enhanced collaboration on joint initiatives and evidence-use projects. Second, align research strategies, activities and investments with the priority areas identified in the global agenda. Third, develop and support regional, national and subnational research agendas on knowledge translation and evidence-informed policy, using the global agenda as a reference. Finally, engage in cross-sectoral collaboration on knowledge translation research to create synergies and minimize research waste. Collective action on these priorities will help align investments, reduce duplication and enhance the use of evidence in policy-making.
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COMMENT (NPW): HIFA welcomes the WHO Global Coalition for Evidence and we are in contact to explore how we can work together in our shared goal to ensure that every person, every health worker and every policymaker has access to the reliable healthcare information (evidence) they need to protect their own health and the health of others. Improving the availability and use of reliable healthcare information/evidence can only be achieved by better understanding and strengthening the global evidence ecosystem. https://www.hifa.org/about-hifa
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org