Special topics in critical knowledge translation (KT) and ethics: Discussion Series

A series to facilitate discussion and the development of a community practice around critical knowledge translation.

This training is intended for MAP staff and scientists.

These talks and workshops are open to MAP staff, post docs and scientists and close collaborators. All sessions are offered virtually. Zoom links will be provided following registration.

Hosted by: Dr. Patricia O’Campo, MAP Scientist, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Population Health Intervention Research

Presented by: Amy Katz, Senior Knowledge Translation Specialist, MAP

Goal: To build capacity in Critical KT by exploring ethical issues together. This series is not meant to be comprehensive or cover all (or even most) topics in KT and ethics. It is limited by the experiences and approach of the presenter. We hope it adds to the rich and varied conversations about research and ethics that are already taking place.

In your registration email please include the following:

  • The session(s) you are registering for.
  • Your name and job title at MAP.
  • Anything we should do to make these virtual Zoom sessions accessible or more accessible to you.

Cohort 1 – 2025 sessions, January – March

Open to people participating who participated in 2024 sessions. To register, please email: amy.katz@unityhealth.ca

(1) Context and ethicsmake-up session. January 15, 2025 2 – 4 pm. Prerequisite: “narrative harms” workshop in 2024. We’ll explore case studies that illustrate the importance of addressing: a) the context around a particular research question; b) the consequences of KT processes. The format of this session is a 30-minute presentation followed by an interactive workshop.

(2) Plain language writing: accountability, accuracy and transparency. February 5, 2 – 4 pm. Prerequisites: “narrative harms” and the “context and ethics” workshops. We’ll cover some principles of plain language writing and explore their relationship to research methods, ethics and communication. The format of this session is a presentation followed by 30 minutes of discussion.

(3) Theory of change. March 5, 2 – 4 pm. Prerequisites: “narrative harms” and the “context and ethics” workshops. We’ll discuss approaches to the idea of “change” in health care research. We’ll explore KT processes that have made positive, concrete changes in specific contexts and explore the “theory of change” embedded in these processes. The format of this session is a 30 minute presentation followed by an interactive workshop.


Cohort 2 – 2025 sessions, May – July

Please note, when you register, we ask that you commit to the whole cycle of five sessions. We are limiting this cohort to 20 people. Please ensure you can attend all five sessions before registering. To register, please email: amy.katz@unityhealth.ca

(1) Narrative harms and ethics Part 1. May 7, 2025, 2 – 3:30 pm. We’ll explore harmful myths that are often embedded in health-related research questions, methods and communications. We will touch on a range of falsehoods, but we will focus on myths that perpetuate racism. The format of this session is a presentation followed by 30 minutes of discussion.

(2) Narrative harms and ethics Part 2. May 14, 2025, 2 – 3:30 pm. We’ll continue exploring harmful myths. We’ll also discuss common “traps” and pitfalls when it comes to addressing these myths. The format of this session is a presentation followed by 30 minutes of discussion.

(3) Context and ethics. June 4, 2025, 2 – 4:00 pm. We’ll explore case studies that illustrate the importance of addressing: a) the context around a particular research question; b) the consequences of KT processes. The format of this session is a 30-minute presentation followed by an interactive workshop.

(4) Theory of change. June 18, 2025, 2 – 4:00 pm. We’ll discuss approaches to the idea of “change” in health care research. We’ll explore KT processes that have made positive, concrete changes in specific contexts and explore the “theory of change” embedded in these processes. The format of this session is a 30-minute presentation followed by an interactive workshop.

(5) Plain language writing: accountability, accuracy and transparency. July 9, 2 – 4 pm. We’ll cover some principles of plain language writing and explore their relationship to research methods, ethics and communication. The format of this session is a presentation followed by 30 minutes of discussion.

Add to Calendar

October 9, 2024  - July 9, 2025

Virtual