WHO Launches Webinar Series on Translating Global Research Agenda into Practice

Geneva. The World Health Organization (WHO) launched a webinar series on December 17, 2025, aimed at translating its global research agenda into practical action in the fields of knowledge translation and evidence-informed policymaking.

The inaugural session convened 120 participants from 38 countries, including researchers, policymakers, and funders. The event explored how the research agenda can help align priorities, strengthen capacity, and improve the use of evidence in decision-making processes.

Bastien Kolt from WHO presented the agenda's 19 research areas, covering interventions, barriers, facilitators, and methods. Annette Boaz emphasized the importance of strengthening research on knowledge translation to ensure evidence is systematically used to inform policies and programs.

Panelists Fréjus Thoto, Zhaleh Abdi, and Ben Miyamoto shared concrete examples of how the global research agenda is influencing institutional strategies, national priority-setting, and funding approaches. Tarang Sharma outlined dissemination products, including a forthcoming project report and infographics designed to support country and organizational use.

Future webinars will be shaped by participant feedback to ensure the series meets country needs. The initiative aims to move from developing the agenda to actively implementing it, supporting countries and partners in enhancing evidence use and avoiding research duplication.