The new partnership, known as the Knowledge Mobilization Impact Lab, aims to identify best practices and develop practical tools to help ocean initiatives measure and maximize the impact of their knowledge mobilization activities.
HALIFAX, NS, Nov. 4, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Marine Environmental Prediction and Response (MEOPAR) Network, the Centre for Ocean Literacy Collaboration (COLC) and Entremission, today announced a three-year partnership to identify and accelerate best practices in knowledge mobilization within the MEOPAR network and beyond.
Running from 2026 to 2028, the collaboration will work with a selected group of MEOPAR-funded projects - Knowledge Mobilization Projects, Communities of Practice, Community-Led Research Initiatives - to explore how they define and measure knowledge mobilization and impact, which approaches they use, and what works well. Working alongside project leads and applying COLC's impact model, the team will identify common elements of effective knowledge mobilization and develop recommendations to help practitioners evaluate and strengthen their impact.
Ultimately, the initiative aims to turn lessons learned from MEOPAR-funded projects into practical tools and approaches that can benefit the wider ocean community in Canada.
"MEOPAR's Strategic Plan and Science Strategy calls for turning ocean knowledge into action. This partnership will help us document our impact, learn what works and guide future investments," said Jamie Snook, Executive Director of MEOPAR.
Moving Beyond Outputs to Understand and Elevate Impact
Knowledge mobilization connects ocean knowledge with the people and organizations who can use it, from communities and industry to policymakers and practitioners. But hosting an event, developing educational materials, or producing a documentary is only part of the story. Understanding whether these activities reach the intended audiences, inform decisions, influence behaviours, and lead to meaningful change is just as important.
"What's the real impact of the ocean knowledge mobilization products or events our funding recipients are creating? Are they reaching the right people? Are those people using, discussing and engaging with what has been shared? Is it raising awareness or even influencing policies or behaviours? With this new partnership with COLC and Entremission, we'll finally start getting some answers. And the best part? We'll be able to use what we learn to help shape future projects and make an even bigger impact!" said Laura-Maria Martinez, Program Manager in Knowledge Mobilization at MEOPAR.
A Collaborative Approach to Measuring and Elevating Impact
COLC brings expertise in public ocean engagement and collaborative approaches to mobilizing research and knowledge. As a living lab for high-impact public ocean engagement, COLC works with partners and communities to turn knowledge into collaborative action.
Entremission, a social enterprise specializing in impact measurement, data collection, analysis and communications, brings complementary expertise to the collaboration.
"The Centre for Ocean Literacy Collaboration, together with Entremission, is excited to establish this multi-year partnership and research collaboration with MEOPAR. The combination of MEOPAR's longstanding leadership in knowledge mobilization investment and COLC and Entremission's living lab approach to impact measurement will benefit the ocean sector in Canada," said Diz Glithero, Executive Director of the Centre for Ocean Literacy Collaboration.
About MEOPAR
The Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR) is a Canadian not-for-profit research network that connects researchers, communities, practitioners and other partners to address challenges related to Canada's changing marine environment. Through research funding and knowledge mobilization initiatives, MEOPAR supports collaboration and helps connect ocean science with the people and organizations who can use it.
Learn more at meopar.ca.
SOURCE MEOPAR
Media Contact: Rosie Poirier, Communications Specialist, MEOPAR, [email protected]
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