The Foundation uses two approaches to address issues of more immediate interest to decision makers: decision support syntheses and commissioned research projects. Commissioned research is also used to create impetus on priority topics where the research is under-developed or there is limited research capacity. Activities are generally commissioned in response to specific requests from interested decision makers. The Foundation uses its status as a non-aligned entity to particular advantage in this program to establish neutral ground which eases interaction between the various parties involved in a given issue.
Decision Support Synthesis Program
The Foundation's Decision Support Synthesis program aims to contribute the best available evidence to decision-making in a particular policy or management context. Decision support syntheses are driven by the information needs of decision makers and produce recommendations for policy and management through a deliberative process that involves key stakeholders. These syntheses incorporate different types and sources of evidence, including research results and promising practices.
The Decision Support Synthesis program replaces the former policy synthesis program which produced nine reports.
Commissioned Research Projects and Related Activities
The Foundation also works in partnership with decision-maker partners
and researchers to commission innovative, high-quality research projects
and other related activities that address the pressing needs of decisions
makers. These must have a national (and, occasionally international) impact,
summarize research on selected topics or forge new exchange networks or
processes between decision makers and researchers in a priority area.
These activities may therefore vary significantly, ranging from research
or assessment projects to workshops or seminars, from panel discussions
on a specific topic or literature review to exchange networks.
For additional information, please contact Susan Law by email or by telephone at (613) 728-2238.
