2.1 Facilitating knowledge exchange: the role of interpersonal relationships and trust Interpersonal interactions and relationships, especially long-standing ones that create a degree of trust, were identified as key factors in facilitating evidence engagement within the EMN at different levels. For example, good personal relationships between NCPs were identified as crucial for efficient and rapid exchange of information (interviewees 5, 12, 13, 14, 17, 22, & 23). One NCP member emphasized that requesting information through official channels can be a lengthy process, but due to the trust built up over years of active participation in the EMN, NCPs have established a "direct line" of communication often characterized by informal interactions, which facilitate rapid information exchanges (interviewee 5). 13