2023 RIC Annual Meeting

September 20-22, 2023
Hybrid – In Calgary!

Not Your Typical Annual Meeting

Research Impact Canada (RIC) hosts an annual meeting for our members as an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and resources, and imagine initiatives and priorities for RIC’s future. It has become one of our most well-received activities. 

We plan a robust agenda with workshops, guest speakers, and opportunities for network members to showcase and share their work from their institutions.

This year’s meeting will be on September 20-22, 2023. Members will have the option to attend virtually or in person in Calgary, Alberta.

Agenda

The finalized agenda is now available below. Click here for a PDF version (en français).
Please note the dates and times will be in Mountain time zone.

All in-person and virtual attendees must be registered – please register below.

Register Here

Time (MT)RoomSession
9:15 AM – 9:45 AMMT 714 In Person: Light Refreshments / Virtual: Coffee Chat
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/94391519224
Opening Plenary
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/94391519224 (Same link as above)
9:45 AM – 10:00 AMMT 714 Land Acknowledgements
10:00 AM – 10:15 AMMT 714 Welcoming Remarks

Presenter: Bill Ghali, Vice-President, Research
(University of Calgary)
10:15 AM – 10:30 AMMT 714 In-Person & Virtual Speed Networking
10:30 AM – 11:00 AMMT 714 State of the Network

Presenter: David Phipps, Vice-President, Research Strategy and Impact & RIC Network Director
(York University)
11:00 AM – 11:15 AMMT 714 Update on Future Skills Centre (FSC) Activities

Presenter: Bissy Waariyo, Acting Director of Operations
(Research Impact Canada)
11:15 AM – 11:30 AMBreak
Presentations: Parallel Sessions (Choose one)
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM

MT 714Navigating DORA: Tools for Advancing Research Assessment
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/96453695732

Academic careers have traditionally been measured by bibliometric indicators (metrics) such as publication counts, citations and Journal Impact Factors. DORA is part of a growing global movement toward more responsible, fair and equitable practices of academic career assessment. However, this shift necessitates new ways of thinking about assessing research and researchers.

Prof. Ruth Schmidt will present her work on developing new, user-centred tools and resources for research assessment that recognize responsible research reform as a behavioural systems challenge.

Presenter: Ruth Schmidt, Associate Professor, Behavioral Design
(Illinois Institute of Technology)
MT 711Learning from RIC to create a Canadian Focused Community of Practice for Bibliometrics and Research Impact Analysis
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97518088885

Similar to knowledge mobilization work, a large number of individuals working across Canada are doing analysis to support researchers using bibliometrics and qualitative assessments. Unfortunately, these people are often working without colleagues and figuring out how to answer complex questions with little support.

In 2021 and 2022, Laura Bredahl, Thane Chambers, and Philippe Boisvert, librarians doing this work, approached the Canada Association of Research Libraries to create a Canadian Community of Practice for Bibliometrics and Research Impact.

This session will review how the community of practice was created, what’s facilitated it, and the challenges so far. Thane’s experiences in RIC have played a large role in informing this new community of practice, which will also be discussed.

Presenter: Thane Chambers, Head, Research Impact, Library
(University of Alberta)
12:00 PM – 12:30 PMMT 714More Than Words: Transforming Strategies for Research Impact
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/99881100753

Drawing on an analysis of 77 research impact strategies across six countries, the presentation identifies two emerging strategies: enabling and achieving. By exploring the elements in both, the typology offers insights to support researchers and professional staff in designing and integrating appropriate impact strategies across operational scales.

Presenter: Frances Seballos, Research Associate
(Sussex University)
MT 711Institutional Structures for Societal Impact of Research Course: UAlberta’s AESIS ‘Capstone’ Plan, Then & Now
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/95104164288

Presenter: Heather Young-Leslie, Senior Research Partner, Social Sci & Humanities, VP Research & Innovation
(University of Alberta)
12:30 PM – 1:30 PMMT 714Lunch
Afternoon Presentations
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/95443513429
1:30 PM – 2:00 PMMT 714(In French)* Considérations pour l’élaboration d’une stratégie institutionnelle en mobilisation des connaissances dans un contexte de bilinguisme*

Lors de cette séance, nous présenterons les étapes du processus de renouvellement de la stratégie institutionnelle en mobilisation des connaissances de l’Université d’Ottawa. Nous partagerons également les considérations liées au bilinguisme et les leçons apprises dans le processus.

Presenter: Roberto Ortiz-Núñez, Senior Knowledge Mobilization Advisor, Research Management Services
(University of Ottawa)

* English interpretation will be provided on Zoom. The session’s title is “Considerations for Developing an Institutional Knowledge Mobilization Strategy in a Bilingual Context.”
2:00 PM – 2:30 PMMT 714MobilizeU Summer 2023 Debrief and Updates

This session will provide a debrief of the Summer 2023 session of MobilizeU including an overview of this year’s program, a report back on attendance and engagement of the participants and a summary of the course feedback survey. There will also be a discussion of what’s next for MobilizeU.

Presenters: Co-Chairs of Mobilize U – Krista Jensen, Senior Knowledge Mobilization Specialist (York University) & Lupin Battersby (Simon Fraser University), Sophie Ashton, Mobilize U Coordinator (Simon Fraser University)
2:30 PM – 3:00 PMMT 714Assessment of RIC’s Bilingualism Framework Implementation Efforts to Date

During this session, we will explore RIC’s progress in implementing the bilingualism framework since its introduction at last year’s Annual Meeting. 

Presenter: Elisabeth Huang, Bilingual Knowledge Mobilization Specialist / Chair, RIC’s Bilingualism Committee
(Research Impact Canada)
In-Person Social Activities
3:30 PM – 5:00 PMFort Calgary: 45-minute outdoor, guided walking tour and leisure time to explore exhibits after
6:00 PM – 8:00 PMDinner at Klein/Harris
Time (MT)RoomSession
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM

MT 714 In-Person: Light Refreshments / Virtual: Coffee Chat
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/92262985211
Morning Presentations
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/92262985211 (Same link as above)
9:45 AM – 10:30 AMMT 714 Keynote Speech: TBD

Presenter: Malinda Smith, Vice-Provost, Associate Vice-President Research (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) & Professor, Political Science
(University of Calgary)
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

MT 714 Strategic Planning for Knowledge Mobilization in Higher Education: A Critical Examination of Approaches in Canada and Beyond

Strategic planning for knowledge mobilization (KMb) in higher education is gaining traction globally as universities aim to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact. This session will provide a critical examination of the various approaches being employed in Canada and other countries. Drawing from contemporary practices, attendees will explore the methodologies, challenges, and successes in institutional KMb planning. Special attention will be paid to mission-driven and assessment-driven strategies, and how universities align their KMb plans with broader institutional goals.

Whether you are a higher education researcher, practitioner, or policy maker, this session offers an accessible overview of the current landscape and a reflection on the future of KMb planning in the higher education sector.

Presenter: Stephen MacGregor, Assistant Professor, Leadership, Policy, and Governance (University of Calgary)
11:00 AM – 11:15 AMBreak
Presentations: Parallel Sessions (Choose one)
11:15 AM – 11:45 AMMT 714 Making an Impact: Best and Leading Practices from the Trenches
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/96110982693

Are you confused by the number of different research impact frameworks and approaches? Are there overarching principles or guidelines to help you identify what is good practice?  This presentation addresses these questions and highlights best and leading practices on how to make an impact from research. Practices presented are from the field and informed by the research impact community working to advance both the science and practice.

Presenter: Kathryn Graham, Executive Director, Impact Action Lab
(Alberta Innovates)
MT 711How to Hack Your Writing for Optimal Knowledge Translation
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/98800710389

Often, how you write is important as what you write: Especially if the goal is for people to read and understand your work.

In this workshop, we tackle some common problems that make academic writing hard to understand. I provide some basic tricks to hack your writing to make it more digestible by readers—whether you are writing for a group of peers or a public audience.

Presenter: Joseph Windsor, Research Associate – Knowledge, Kaplan Lab
(University of Calgary)
UCalgary Presentation
11:45 PM – 12:15 PMMT 714 Research Impact and Social Innovation Supports
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97068298343

There are countless pathways from research to impact, and many university supports for researchers to access throughout that journey. Through the Alberta Social Economy Design Café, the Social Innovation Initiative, Innovate Calgary Social Innovation Hub, and Knowledge Engagement teams at the University of Calgary have been working together to design and improve processes for collaboration, supporting researchers in delivering a wide scope of solutions to social challenges.

Presenter: Stephanie Warner, Knowledge Engagement Manager (University of Calgary), Tara Barnas, Social Innovation Initiative Manager (University of Calgary), Joanne Nowak, Senior Innovation Manager, Social Innovation Hub (Innovate Calgary), Sarelle Azuelos, Knowledge Engagement Specialist (University of Calgary)
12:15 PM – 1:15 PMMT 714Lunch
Presentations: Parallel Sessions (Choose one)
1:15 PM – 1:45 PMMT 714Integration of Stakeholder Engagement for Social Innovation: A Funder’s Perspective
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/92346973464

Research funders increasingly require evidence of impact from their grant recipients, but the onus is typically on the researcher with very little if no support from the funder to develop impactful projects.

In 2022 and 2023, Brain Canada Foundation designed and implemented its own comprehensive process for identifying the highest priority problems that can be addressed by academic research using multiple phases of stakeholder engagement.
This session will provide an overview of Brain Canada’s premiere social innovation process in the context of traumatic brain injury and provide the background for the follow-up presentation about lessons learned.

Anneliese Poetz, Senior Program Manager (Social Innovation), Brain Canada
MT 711Making Pictures Worth a Thousand Words: Effective Communication at the Intersection of Art and Science
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97561325984

How can we tell a precise, accurate, and complete story when working against a word limit? How do we help knowledge users comprehend complex ideas and information at a glance?

In this workshop, we will answer these questions by exploring how to use graphs, tables, diagrams, and figures to represent information in a way that helps increase insights, reduce the time it takes for knowledge users to make decisions, and simplify the process of identifying patterns and trends.

Presenter: Lindsay Hracs, Postdoctoral Associate, Kaplan Lab
(University of Calgary)
1:45 PM – 2:45 PMMT 714In-Person & VirtualWorld Café (Rotate After Every 20 Mins)

Several presentations will occur simultaneously for 15 minutes for this one-hour session with a 5-minute Q&A afterward for each presentation. In-person and virtual attendees will be randomly assigned to attend one table or Zoom breakout room. After 20 minutes, the rooms will rotate and attendees will move on to the next table or Zoom breakout room. The rotation will happen three times.
Virtual: KMb Successes and Lessons Learned Stories
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/99434090696

Presenters:

From IDEA to Impact: Supporting Digital-First Knowledge Mobilization

Using cloud-based infrastructure, IDEA Lab, an award-winning Athabasca University initiative, allowed us to test new ways of supporting research development (design, delivery, and dissemination mobilization). When IDEA Lab first launched, we struggled to understand what digital-first knowledge mobilization might look like. By the end, we provided dedicated funding to help IDEA Lab researchers transform their research into action and impact. Using IDEA Lab as a jumping-off place for conversation, this session will focus on embracing innovation and incorporating KMb supports throughout the research lifecycle.

MacKinley Darlington, Knowledge Mobilization Specialist (Athabasca University)

Building Institutional KMb Capacity by Leveraging RIC Resources: Identifying and Supporting “Side of Desk” KMb Experts

At Carleton University, knowledge mobilization and research impact assessment expertise are largely decentralized. In this session, we discuss how RIC’s MoblizeU was the catalyst to launch an ad hoc knowledge mobilization working group in order to better engage and support Carleton’s MobilizeU participants. In these sessions (virtual/in person sessions are paralleled), we reflect on the challenges and successes involved in building institutional KM capacity within and beyond the research enterprise.  

Caroline Flocari, Project Officer, Strategic Initiatives (Carleton University)

Becoming Fluent in Medicine: How a Linguist Used Scatterplots to Learn A New Language

In this session, I will share my experiences around starting a post-doctoral position in an epidemiology lab after finishing a PhD in linguistics. I will highlight how my transferable skills helped me face challenges related to doing knowledge mobilization in a completely new field.

Lindsay Hracs, Postdoctoral Associate, Kaplan Lab (University of Calgary)

Navigating Knowledge Mobilization from an Intersectional Lens: The Understandings and Learnings from a First-Generation Queer Autistic Student

This presentation delves into the unique perspective of a first-generation queer autistic student, exploring how an intersectional approach informs the process of knowledge mobilization. It examines the insights gained and lessons learned from their lived experiences, shedding light on the intricate dynamics between identity, academia, and social engagement

Emily Coombs, Graduate Student (University of Calgary)
MT 714In-Person: KMb Successes and Lessons Learned

Presenters:

Embracing Stakeholder Engagement for Social Innovation Research

Brain Canada’s multi-phase stakeholder engagement process has defined its first social innovation program. Throughout the implementation during 2022-2023 there were several anticipated and unanticipated successes, challenges and lessons learned. This discussion will be facilitated using an infographic handout.

Anneliese Poetz, Senior Program Manager – Social Innovation (Brain Canada)

Research Impact Pathways
 
Concordia Pathways Project is a framework for a shared institutional vision of research impact that supports multiple pathways to impact by leveraging existing and enhanced resources and expertise through cross-unit collaboration and cooperation.  The short presentation will give an early look into the process and challenges of developing a cross-university, researcher-focused service model.  

Prem Sooriyakumar, Knowledge Broker (Concordia University)

Building Institutional KMb Capacity by Leveraging RIC Resources: Identifying and Supporting “Side of Desk” KMb Experts

At Carleton University, knowledge mobilization and research impact assessment expertise are largely decentralized. In this session, we discuss how RIC’s MoblizeU was the catalyst to launch an ad hoc knowledge mobilization working group in order to better engage and support Carleton’s MobilizeU participants. In these sessions (virtual/in person sessions are paralleled), we reflect on the challenges and successes involved in building institutional KM capacity within and beyond the research enterprise.

Rachel Hirsch, Research Facilitator, Institutional Initiatives (Carleton University)

Against the Clock: Maximizing Reach with Minimal Time

Douglas Adams once said, “I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” But what happens when the deadline is firm and you have to produce a document accessible to the public, useful by physicians, and can be used by advocacy groups to leverage government? In this session, I share my experiences in finding a balance between science and accessibility when doing knowledge translation for a wide range of stakeholders under a time crunch.

Joseph Windsor, Research Associate – Knowledge, Kaplan Lab (University of Calgary)

Open Access Publishing and Knowledge Mobilization: Reflections on Graduate Student Writing Workshops

Emerging perspectives: Interdisciplinary graduate research in education and psychology (EPIGREP) is a peer-reviewed, international, open access graduate student journal founded by the University of Calgary and run by grad students, for grad students. Striving to meet the expressed needs of grad students, EPIGREP has piloted a special issue writing workshop series with the aim of mentoring and demystifying the publication process. This presentation will provide reflections on the emerging academic-publisher collaboration.

Kristi-Mari Fedorko-Bartos, Graduate Student (University of Calgary)
2:45 PM – 3:00 PMBreak
(Those not part of either committee may choose to join in and listen or wrap up for the day and meet us for dinner later.)
RIC Committee Meetings
(Parallel Sessions – Choose One)
3:00 PM – 4:00 PMMT 734Professional Development Committee: Working Session
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/94486264485

Co-Chairs: Michael Johnny, Manager, Knowledge Mobilization (York University) & Bojan Fürst, Manager, Knowledge Mobilization (Memorial University)
2:45 PM – 4:30 PMMT 714Implementation Committee: Working Session
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97719776992

Co-Chairs: David Phipps & Bissy Waariyo
6:00 PM – 8:00 PMIn-Person Social Activity
Dinner at the Last Best Brewing & Distilling
Time (MT)RoomSession
9:00 AM – 9:30 AMMT 714 In-Person: Light Refreshments / Virtual: Coffee Chat
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/94653530356
RIC Committee Meetings
(Parallel Sessions – Choose One)

(Those not part of either committee may choose to join in and listen or relax during this time.)
9:30 AM – 10:30 AMMT 714 Evaluation Committee: Working Session
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/96153825932

Chair: David Phipps
MT 711Mobilize U Committee: Working Session
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97098643601

Co-Chairs: Krista Jensen & Lupin Battersby
MT 734 Bilingualism Committee: Working Session
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/96773196515

Chair: Elisabeth Huang
10:30 AM – 11:10 AMMT 714RIC Committee Plenary: Reportback (10 mins each)
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97916080485

Chairs: David Phipps, Michael Johnny & Bojan Fürst, Elisabeth Huang, Krista Jensen & Lupin Battersby
11:10 AM – 11:15 AMQuick 5-Minute Break
11:30 AM – 12:15 PMIn-Person Social Activity
Social Innovation Hub: Presentation & Guided Tour
Closing Plenary
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/98570488077
12:45 PM – 1:15 PMMT 714Lunch & Group Reflections
1:15 PM – 1:30 PMMT 714Closing Remarks

Presenters: David Phipps, Bissy Waariyo, Stephanie Warner

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with Sandy Chan, Operations Officer, at sdychan@yorku.ca and Julia Levin, Knowledge Mobilization Manager, at levinj@yorku.ca.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

MEETING VENUE

The in-person aspect of the meeting will take place at the MacKimmie Tower on the University of Calgary (UCalgary) campus. The address to the tower is 420 Campus Lane NW (map).

UCalgary’s main campus address is 2500 University Drive NW.

VIRTUAL LIVESTREAM

Since our annual meeting is hybrid, it will be simultaneously live-streamed on Zoom.

Interpreters will be available during the Zoom sessions to provide simultaneous French translation for English presentations and English translation for French presentations.

ACCOMMODATION

For in-person attendees who reside outside of Calgary, we will stay at the Aloft Calgary University hotel. The address to the hotel is 2359 Banff Trail NW (map).

A complimentary breakfast buffet is included at the hotel every morning.

It’s about a 23-minute walk to the MacKimmie Tower at UCalgary, a 13-minute commute by bus or light rail transit, or a 5-minute car ride. The bus/car option may take slightly longer due to morning traffic.

Please ensure you plan accordingly for your commute to arrive promptly.

Note: If you’re interested in carpooling in an Uber/taxi, please let Sandy know so she can make arrangements.

TRANSIT

The hotel is accessible by Calgary’s light rail transit (LRT) system. The closest station, Banff Trail Station (map), is only a 4-minute walk from the hotel, making exploring Calgary convenient. The closest bus stop is 16 AV NW @ Crowchild TR NW (map), a 6-minute walk away.

The closest bus stop to the MacKimmie Tower is University WY @ Craigie Hall NW at the University of Calgary Terminal (map). The closest LRT stop on campus is University Station (map).

There is the option to take either the LRT or the bus to and from campus or anywhere else around Calgary. A fare payment is required for both modes of transportation. There will be some walking to either stop.

Please note that taking the bus route near the hotel involves walking along and crossing the Trans-Canada Highway.

FOOD

Office Gourmet Catering will cater the food for our meeting each day.

Breakfast: A light continental breakfast will be provided every morning on site. Mini pastries, muffins, danishes, and fresh fruit will be served alongside coffee, tea, and water. Condiments will be available.

Lunch: For lunch, attendees will receive either their chosen sandwich combo, a full-sized salad, or a superfood bowl for their main course. Fresh fruit, cookies, and drinks will also be provided during lunch.

Dietary restrictions will be accommodated.

DINNER

On the evening of September 20, 2023 (Day 1), we will have dinner with all the RIC members at Klein/Harris. A reservation has been made for 6 pm MT. The address to Klein/Harris is 110 8 Avenue SW (map).

On the evening of September 21, 2023 (Day 2), we will have dinner at the Last Best Brewing & Distilling. A reservation has been made for 6 pm MT. The Last Best Brewing & Distilling is at 607 11 Ave SW (map).

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

On September 20, 2023 (Day 1), in the late afternoon, we will visit Fort Calgary to learn about the city and Western Canada. We will be taken on a 45-minute guided, walking tour outdoors around the fort area to learn some of the many histories of the place.

The walk is approximately 1.5 km and covers various terrains. Please come prepared in appropriate attire for the weather and wear comfortable, walking shoes. (We will not have time to go back to the hotel to change so please either wear or bring a jacket/sweater and comfortable shoes.)

Note: Attendees who wish to sit out on the walking tour may remain on-site to enjoy the exhibits at Fort Calgary. If you wish to opt out of the tour, please contact Sandy so she can account for the tickets.

On September 22, 2023 (Day 3), we will walk to the Social Innovation Hub building on the UCalgary campus in the late morning. A wonderful presentation and guided tour will be given about the hub followed by a brief Q&A period. It will take approximately 45 minutes in total. We will then walk back to our main building to eat lunch.

CALGARY RECOMMENDATIONS

If you have some time to spare in Calgary, here are some recommendations for places to eat and things to do!

Restaurants

Attractions

Hikes

  • Nose Hill Park (a bit north of Calgary, but still within the city)
  • Banff National Park (1.5 hour drive from Calgary)
  • Kananaskis Country (1.5 hours drive from Calgary) – Ptarmigan Cirque (3.5 km, 258 m elevation) and Chester Lake Trail (9.3 km, 433 m elevation)