It’s clear that even when strong research evidence exists on effective policies and practices, there are no guarantees it will be used. Research-practice partnerships, though, represent an especially promising strategy for bridging gaps between research, practice, and policy, and ultimately improving outcomes for children and youth.
RPPs are long-term, mutually beneficial collaborations that promote the production and use of research evidence. Findings from studies of how and when research is used indicate that the quality of relationships and the development of trust between decision makers and researchers encourage the use of research, even more so than the quality of the research itself. RPPs provide the infrastructure to support such relationships and sustain engagement around research, data, and experience
The William T. Grant Foundation has added new content and expanded its RPP site (http://rpp.wtgrantfoundation.org) to include fields beyond education. The online guide is for anyone interested in planning, growing, or sustaining a research-practice partnership. The site provides practical guidance, tips, work samples, and resources related to: structuring a partnership, developing joint research agendas and data sharing agreements, communicating research and engaging stakeholders, evaluating partnerships for improvement and impact, and more.