Description: The Carleton University Gambling Laboratory (CUGL) Gambling Research Exchange and Training (GREaT) Hub builds gambling-oriented knowledge translation and exchange (KTE) capacity within the CUGL to address stakeholder queries.
Model: The CUGL GREaT Hub stresses a model of open innovation – engaging in cross-collaborations using a multidisciplinary approach with involved stakeholders. The keystone of this model is the training of students to be KTE-savvy. A significant aspect of this training is active involvement in all stages of the KTE process – involvement that is supervised by Dr. Wohl.
Areas of KTE Concentration: Based on the areas of expertise within the CUGL, The CUGL GREaT Hub has two areas of concentration: (1) responsible gambling (e.g., creation and utilization of responsible gambling tools) and (2) behavioural change (e.g., motivating treatment seeking).
Activities: All activities are focused on advancing KTE as well as student training as it pertains to the two areas of concentration. To this end, the CUGL GREaT Hub:
Identifies existing knowledge within the CUGL that is ready to be translated: Research that addresses current and emerging issues exists on a continuum of translation ‘readiness.’ KTE initiatives are proportional to the breadth of existing knowledge that has been created by Dr. Wohl and his associates (i.e., national and international collaborators as well as students currently supervised by Dr. Wohl and students that have graduated from Dr. Wohl’s lab). To this end, the CUGL GREaT Hub identifies existing knowledge within the CUGL and assesses its readiness for translation. Once knowledge has been deemed ready for translation, the CUGL GREaT Hub determines potential avenues for product development.
Is a KTE resource for GREO: The CUGL GREaT Hub responds to queries directed to the CUGL from GREO that pertain to 1) responsible gambling and 2) behavioural change.
Engages in product development: Members of the CUGL GREaT Hub find practical and feasible solutions to identified issues based on the extant empirical research on 1) responsible gambling and 2) behavioral change. Members of the CUGL GREaT Hub develop useful and innovative KTE tools. Products include, among other things, knowledge briefs (e.g., brochures) that communicate existing knowledge gained in a manner that is easily digested by all stakeholders.
Provides training in KTE to CUGL members: Successful completion of the aforementioned actives is only possible with a team of well-trained KTE personnel supervised by CUGL GREaT hub director (Dr. Wohl). As such, all members of the CUGL are required to complete KTE training sessions (e.g., GREO training sessions, Scientist Knowledge Translation Training (SKTTTM) workshop held at The Hospital for Sick Children). Additionally, all student are active participants in weekly KTE roundtable discussion facilitated by the CUGL GREaT hub director (Dr. Wohl). These roundtables help provide each member with an understanding of KTE as an integrative process, the importance of KTE in the field of disordered gambling, practical ways to build collaborative and professional relationships with stakeholders, and methods of assessing the impact of KTE tools and products created at the CUGL GREaT Hub. These roundtable meeting will be central to the training effort as well as product development.