Five key takeaways from the WHO launch of the Global Research Agenda on Knowledge Translation and Evidence-informed Policy-making
In this blog Hayley Stewart reports back on the World Health Organisation (WHO) launch of the Global Research Agenda on Knowledge Translation and Evidence-informed Policy-making. This milestone marked the culmination of two years of collaboration involving over 130 experts from more than 40 countries. The agenda is a collective roadmap to strengthen how evidence informs policy decisions worldwide. Below we’ve pulled out five key takeaways from the event to keep you up to date!
1. A global call to strengthen the science–policy interface
Opening the session, current WHO Chief Scientist Jeremy Farrar emphasised that embedding evidence-informed decision-making across the WHO and beyond is a critical shift:
“We need science-informed policymakers, and we also need policy-informed scientists. This work must be truly embedded across the organisation—this is not optional.”
Farrar underscored the importance of breaking down silos within and beyond institutions to ensure research is linked effectively with action, particularly during health crises.
2. A collaborative and inclusive process
Bastien Kolt, Technical Officer from WHO’s Research for Health Department, outlined how the agenda was developed:
“We engaged over 130 experts from 40+ countries through Delphi surveys and consultations to refine and prioritise 19 top research areas. The result is a shared, inclusive blueprint for global, regional and local efforts.”
He noted that the agenda addresses gaps, reduces research waste, and aligns stakeholders around common goals in knowledge translation and evidence-informed policymaking.
3. Five research priorities to guide the field
The agenda’s research areas fall into three domains—interventions, barriers and facilitators, and methods/metrics. From institutionalising evidence use to exploring the role of AI in knowledge translation, the priorities are intended to guide funders, researchers and policymakers alike.
Kathryn Oliver, Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, commented:
“We already know a lot—now we must do better at sharing what we’ve learned. Let’s build on what exists to avoid duplication and drive smarter, more coordinated research.”
4. Bridging the gap between research and practice
The panel discussion focused on how to translate the agenda into action. Several speakers offered practical approaches:
Rose Oronje, Director of Public Policy and Knowledge Translation at the African Institute for Development Policy, Kenya said:
“Take advantage of existing platforms and spaces—don’t reinvent the wheel. Embed the agenda into the programs you already run and contextualise it to your region.”
Walid Ammar, Director at the Saint Joseph University of Beirut, and former Director General of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, emphasised institutional approaches:
“Embedded research units within Ministries of Health can be powerful. They bring together researchers and policymakers to co-produce actionable evidence.”
And Tikki Pang, Visiting Professor at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, reminded us:
“Asian philanthropies are an untapped source of support. We must foster new partnerships, especially in regions where traditional research funding is limited.”
5. Commitment to future action and investment
As part of the launch, Robert Terry from WHO’s TDR announced a funding opportunity for low- and middle-income country researchers:
“This is a live call to support research aligned with the agenda’s priorities. We’re looking for collaborations that translate evidence into impact.”
The session closed with a call to action from Tanja Kuchenmüller, Head of WHO’s Research for Health Department:
“This agenda is not just a document—it’s a shared vision to guide us forward. Now the work begins to implement, monitor, and adapt it together.”
The Global Research Agenda is more than a policy tool—it is a call to action for researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers to align efforts and make evidence count where it matters most. For more information, visit WHO’s EVIPNet page.