Speaker: Aryeh Gitterman
Date: Monday, 24 February 2025
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 pm EST
Language: English
Format: Online, via Zoom
Audience: 2nd-year CanNRT Fellows and Trainee Members

This workshop explores strategies for effectively translating research findings into actionable public policies. Participants will learn how to identify key policy-relevant insights, communicate research to policymakers, and foster collaboration between researchers and decision-makers.
Who should attend? This workshop is recommended for 2nd-year CanNRT Fellows and Trainee Members.
Why attend?
Participants will:
- Explore the disconnect between research and policymaking and why it matters.
- Learn practical techniques for translating research findings into actionable policy recommendations.
- Gain insights into building relationships with policymakers and fostering ongoing partnerships.
About the speaker
Aryeh Gitterman (LinkedIn) is an Adjunct Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University. From 2007 to 2016 Aryeh was an Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) in the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS). While at MCYS, Aryeh was responsible for policies and programs for: autism, community-based mental health, child protection, special needs, residential services, and the poverty reduction strategy. Prior to joining MCYS, Aryeh was ADM of the Instruction and Leadership Development Division, and the Business and Finance Division in the Ministry of Education. While at Education, he was responsible for policies and programs for: secondary schools, teacher quality, leadership development and safe schools. Aryeh began his career at the Scarborough Board of Education teaching high school Mathematics and English.
About the organizers
Dr. Keiko Shikako (@KeikoShikako) is an Associate Professor at McGill University and the Canada Research Chair in Childhood Disability (Participation and Knowledge Translation). Her research focuses on knowledge translation science and the rights of children with disabilities. Her current research includes the Jooay App, a free app that connects children with disabilities and their families to leisure opportunities in their neighborhoods. She also co-leads the CHILD-BRIGHT Network Knowledge Mobilization Program and leads the network Policy Hub.
Roberta Cardoso (@DrRobertaCar) is a Research Fellow at the CanNRT, where she co-leads the Trainee Priority Area Committee and supports the creation, implementation and evaluation of the CanNRT training curriculum. She is also a Research Associate at the ParKT Co-Lab and CHILD-BRIGHT Network. Her expertise lies in patient-oriented research, youth disability rights, and knowledge translation to policymaking. She currently coordinates the Policy Hub, a rapid response unit addressing evidence-based policy needs.
Alix Zerbo is an Information Officer at the CHILD-BRIGHT Network, where she coordinates the Knowledge Mobilization Program. As part of her work, she produces visual products (e.g., infographics) to support the dissemination of knowledge.