This growing organization for knowledge brokers is announcing inaugural leadership, as well as inviting those interested in improving the use of research evidence in education to join its free professional community. Visit their newly redesigned website at ekbn.org to learn more.

Knowledge brokers have been described by several education researchers as the “levers” for improving research use in practice, ensuring research addresses the needs of practitioners, and engaging practitioners in research activities. Knowledge brokers, whether as individuals or organizations, have been shown to reach many more practitioners about the implications of research, resulting in greater use of evidence in decision-making in education. Yet, the work of knowledge brokers remains largely underrecognized and undersupported. 

To support the development of this professional organization, Dr. Katherine Philp has been hired to guide the organization through its development. Dr. Philp has worked in schools, community-based youth organizations, and in higher education, often leading efforts to connect research and practice. Her scholarly work focuses on applications of social and behavioral theory to youth development and informal learning environments. She has held leadership roles in non-profit organizations and successfully organized fundraising campaigns. The chair of EKBN’s Board of Directors, Matthew Courtney, said, "We underwent a rigorous and competitive process to select our first Director, and we're all very excited for Katie to be with us. We are confident she will help us build the network we have envisioned." 

Launched in early 2024, EKBN is a professional home for knowledge brokers, providing learning opportunities to advance the art and science of knowledge brokering in education. Emerging and experienced knowledge brokers are welcome to join. Virtual programs and events offer spaces to learn from experts, engage in collaborative conversations on problems of practice, and create a community that elevates the professional identities of knowledge brokers. 

As Dr. Matthew B. Courtney, Chair of EKBN’s Board of Directors, noted, “You don’t have to have ‘knowledge broker’ in your job title to be doing the work- we welcome anyone working to bridge gaps in education.” Knowledge brokers exist across all parts of the education system, such as research organizations, advocacy groups, foundations, state and local education agencies, schools, news agencies, and communities, and have a wide range of roles and titles. Knowledge brokers  facilitate the exchange of knowledge among interest-holders, make research evidence accessible and usable, and support evidence-informed change. 

Dr. Philp remarked that one of the network’s goals is to highlight the often invisible work of knowledge brokers and build the identities of brokers. “By joining EKBN, you’re becoming part of a community specifically designed to meet the unique needs of knowledge brokers. There are many of us who span boundaries in our education system - think of EKBN as a professional home for those individuals and organizations.” To meet these goals, EKBN shares evidence on the ‘how-to’ of brokering, provides learning opportunities that help knowledge brokers improve their practice, and fosters connections among knowledge brokers. 

The organization’s new website, ekbn.org, provides more information on the important work of knowledge brokers. Visitors can check out upcoming events. submit a proposal for the upcoming virtual Forum, “Shaping the Future of  Knowledge Brokering,” to be held February 24-26, and register for membership.