Ten Considerations for Research Funders Seeking to Enhance Knowledge Exchange and the Impact of Marine Science on Policy and Practice

Research funders can play an important role in supporting the integration of marine science into policy and practice to enable evidence-informed decision-making. However, date, there is a paucity guidance available help research understand specific actions they take support knowledge exchange among researchers that fund relevant stakeholders, particularly within contexts. This Brief Report aims begin fill this gap through in-depth case study Lenfest Ocean Program (LOP). Specifically, qualitative interviews with 32 participants across eight LOP funded projects (i.e., studies) we sought to: (i) types impacts have resulted from research, (ii) determine which activities undertaken by enabled achieve these impacts, (iii) synthesize findings articulate core lessons emerged our examination projects. Results show concept “research impact” complex be interpreted number ways including: raising awareness end-users, development expansion social networks, provision information decision-makers, (iv) decision-support tools, (v) direct contribution change. We highlight has supported attainment as well 10 general considerations should consider when seeking enhance impact on practice.