Academic/policy-making partnerships such as ISCRR are likely to be more common in the future. Such partnerships were recognised as being an effective way of improving research translation at a workshop held in Melbourne on 24 and 25 November 2011 titled Advancing the Science of Dissemination and Implementation: Using Science in the Real World.  

ISCRR Research Translation Manager, Gillian Syres presented ISCRR as a case study at the workshop. There was particular interest in ISCRR's evidence-based Research to Action model with its emphasis on jointly setting the research agenda through dialogue between the TAC and WorkSafe and their stakeholders and researchers.

ISCRR is ramping up research translation activities through its Think Tank. Two such events are:

- A discussion held with unions, health providers and large employers to clarify the research questions for a new study on Return to Work.

- A workshop attended by policy makers and unions on the findings of research about wet work and occupational dermatitis. 

ISCRR's Think Tank will be supported by a new information management system based on Sharepoint. The system will allow partners and external stakeholders to log-in and access material and collaborate on-line. We are starting to use this system now so expect to receive invitations to join us via log-ins in the future. 

December 2011