Knowledge Translation and Implementation Science (KTI) Research Team

Members

• Dr Lisa Pfadenhauer (pfadenhauer@ibe.med.uni-muenchen.de)
• Dr Marie-Therese Schultes
• Dr Georgia Gidey
• Paula da Costa e Silva

Focus

We study how evidence is co-produced, exchanged, implemented, and scaled in real-world health systems. Our work integrates implementation science, knowledge translation/exchange (KT/KE), and scale-up science, with a strong emphasis on context, equity, and impact.

We aim to improve how evidence-informed interventions are adapted, adopted, and sustained across diverse settings, contexts and populations.

Implementation Science

Implementation science examines how evidence-informed interventions, practices, and policies are integrated into routine health and social care.

Our work focuses on:

• The role of context in implementation efforts
• Development and use of implementation theories, models and frameworks
• Methods for context analysis and adaptation
• Design and evaluation of implementation strategies
• Capacity strengthening in implementation research and practice

Knowledge Translation & Exchange

Knowledge translation (KT) is the iterative process of moving evidence into policy and practice. We emphasize dynamic, relational, and co-produced approaches, such as Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) , knowledge exchange (KE) and participatory and co-produced research

Scale-Up Science

Scale-up science focuses on expanding effective interventions to larger populations and sustaining impact over time. It addresses:

• Population-level implementation and expansion
• Policy, systems, and resource constraints
• Scalability and transferability of interventions
• Strategies for sustainable scale-up and impact

Cross-Cutting Priorities

Across all areas, our work is guided by:

• Theory-informed approaches
• Participatory approach to research
• Population-level health impact
• Context-sensitive methods and interventions
• Adaptation across settings
• Equity as a central principle

Current projects

• IS4NCDs
• PEN-CONNECT
• ComBaScale

Past projects

• INSIDE

Teaching activities of the research group

• GLOHRA training on implementation science meets multimorbidity (November 2025)

Networks

• Info-P
• EIC
• AG Implementierungswissenschaft & -praxis DNVF

Scientific outputs

• Context and Implementation of Complex Interventions (CICI) framework https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13012-017-0552-5
• Adapting interventions to new contexts—the ADAPT guidance https://www.bmj.com/content/374/bmj.n1679
• Competency frameworks in implementation science (e.g., Schultes et al.)
• Development and implementation of IKT approach in CEBHA+
• Developing, implementing, and monitoring tailored strategies for integrated knowledge translation in five sub-Saharan African countries https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12961-023-01038-x
• Outcomes of an integrated knowledge translation approach in five African countries: a mixed-methods comparative case study https://www.springermedizin.de/outcomes-of-an-integrated-knowledge-translation-approach-in-five/50332188
• Evaluating the implementation of integrated knowledge translation in a multi-country research consortium in Sub-Saharan Africa – a mixed methods comparative case study https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13012-026-01494-3