On 23rd February, NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Yorkshire and Humber (YHARC) co‑led the launch of the Yorkshire and Humber Community of Practice for Knowledge Mobilisation. Held at The Knowledge Exchange, Leeds Beckett University., the event brought together regional leaders, researchers, and practitioners to strengthen collaboration and promote the effective use of evidence across the region.
The launch marked a significant milestone in creating a shared space where research and practice can meaningfully connect. With representatives from local government, universities, communities, and healthcare providers, the new Community of Practice aims to reduce the gap between knowledge and implementation—ensuring that evidence is more accessible, relevant, and embedded within local decision‑making.
A Collaborative and Engaging Morning
As co‑leads of the event, and as part of its wider knowledge mobilisation and impact workstream, YHARC helped shape an inclusive and interactive programme that reflected the core principle of knowledge mobilisation: it works best when done together.
Highlights included:
Sector Perspectives
Short presentations from YHARC, Y-PERN, Doncaster Council, and NIHR HDRC Doncaster offered varied insights into how knowledge mobilisation is understood and applied across different sectors.
Networking Through Innovation
A ‘randomised coffee break’ encouraged meaningful and unexpected conversations, helping attendees explore how their organisations currently approach knowledge exchange—and what they hope the Community of Practice will help unlock.
Collective Problem‑Solving
Through live polling and shared discussion boards, participants identified key regional knowledge mobilisation challenges. Thought‑provoking questions included:
- “Is some knowledge best left un‑mobilised?”
- “Can we as a system ‘manage’ knowledge as well as mobilise it?”
- “How do we measure the success and impact of KM?”
Insights from the Community
Interactive whiteboards captured reflections from attendees on what they want the Community of Practice to prioritise.
Process & Culture
Participants called for stronger cultures of learning across sectors, noting the need for “embedded evaluation from the beginning” and a focus on building a regional “KM culture”. Many expressed the desire for a space to “share challenges… and how to overcome them”.
Implementation Challenges
Themes included navigating research risk aversion, improving communication with local authorities and policymakers, and supporting the move from “sanitised research environments into the messy real world”.
Impact & Accessibility
Attendees emphasised the importance of increasing both the demand for evidence and the accessibility of knowledge products, ultimately aiming for a future in which “people ask for evidence” as standard practice.
What’s Next?
The strong energy in the room confirmed that the region is ready for a more connected approach to knowledge mobilisation. Going forward, YHARC will continue to co‑lead the Community of Practice as part of its wider knowledge mobilisation and impact workstream, which will meet quarterly to build on the insights collected during the launch. Priority areas identified such as the role of AI in KM, improving plain‑English communication, and embedding evaluation will guide future sessions.
YHARC extends sincere thanks to our partners at HDRC Doncaster, Y‑PERN, and Leeds Beckett University for their collaboration and commitment to shaping a vibrant, impactful Community of Practice for the region.
Watch the highlight video from the launch here: