IFRC

The Wellcome Trust-funded IFRC programme is designed to promote an inclusive and equitable research culture across IFRC partner institutes, in response to several recognised challenges within research institutes and transboundary research partnerships, including unequal capacities in research management support that perpetuate inequities and power imbalances, and uncertainties on how to sustainably support research management for the collective benefit of the partnership.  

Knowledge exchange is one specific area of focus; staff identified a need to rethink how we embed and promote knowledge exchange activities across our partnership.  

Objectives 

• The aim of the knowledge exchange work package is to pilot models and practices for more effective communication and uptake of research findings, with the objective of creating a Community of Practice (CoP) for knowledge exchange. 

• Accordingly, the goal of IFRC is to sustainably strengthen capacity in research management and knowledge exchange to rebalance partnerships. 

Methodology (in simple terms) 

• Study design (survey, trial, case study, mixed methods, etc.). 

• Summary of key activities  

• A knowledge exchange needs assessment was conducted at each institute to understand individual and institutional barriers and facilitators for knowledge exchange, and identify key strengths, challenges, and opportunities. The assessment involved a staff survey, formed of Likert questions complemented with opportunities for open-ended responses. Mapping of the findings enabled identification of areas of collaboration and mutual learning. 

• Informed by the needs assessment, a member-led Community of Practice (CoP) for knowledge exchange was co-developed to establish a network for knowledge exchange and to facilitate mutual support, shared learning and collaboration. 

Expected Outcomes / Deliverables 

• Shared and strengthened knowledge exchange skills and practices, specifically, four working groups were established for each of the agreed objectives: 

• To develop and operationalise a standardised Knowledge Exchange framework. 

• To strengthen capacity and promote cross-learning within the community of practice. 

• To promote visibility and enhance understanding of the community of practice. 

1. To mobilise resources for the community of practice, to ensure the sustainability of the community of practice beyond the end of the programme, is a key focus.   

The role of Policy 

The community of practice will directly benefit individual staff, their institutions, and the partnership through professional development, improved collaboration and fostering innovation. Ultimately and most importantly, the beneficiaries of research are strengthened by knowledge exchange.  

Partners & Stakeholders 

This programme is a partnership between five research institutions across Africa and the UK:  

1. CeSHHAR Zimbabwe (Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research)  

1. CRID (Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases), Cameroon 

1. KEMRI (Kenya Medical Research Institute)  

1. LSTM (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine), UK 

1. MLW (Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust), Malawi 

Timeline  

• 2-year programme ending 31st March 2026 

Contact Information 

1. PI of the overall IFRC programme is Prof Hilary Ranson (LSTM); Prof Janelisa Musaya is the focal point for MLW. 

1. The Knowledge Exchange Aim of the programme is being led by the Policy Unit at MLW by Rhona Mijumbi, Chloe Brooks, and Melody Sakala.  

1. Please contact Chloe Brooks (cbrooks@mlw.mw) for more information.