1.2 Conceptual Framework: knowledge brokering Evidence-based policymaking has become a major concern for the academic and policymaking communities over the last few decades (MacKillop & Downe, 2023). However, the increased focus on the impact of research on policymaking has also highlighted the fact that the desired impact does not occur automatically (Knight & Lyall, 2013), and that ensuring the uptake of evidence requires more than simply disseminating evidence and hoping that it is found and used by the right audience (Bielak et al., 2008). However, some approaches appear to help strengthen evidence uptake. For example, it is known that a strategic approach to knowledge transfer from producers to users, or how evidence is framed and communicated, can help ensure evidence uptake and can have a positive impact on policy and practice (Bielak et al., 2008; Shaxson et al., 2025). In this regard, knowledge brokering can increase evidence engagement and uptake. Although the term knowledge brokering is not clearly defined and is used differently in the literature (MacKillop et al., 2020; Walting Neil et al., 2022), it broadly refers to intermediaries (knowledge brokers) who mediate between users and producers of knowledge to facilitate the creation, exchange and uptake of knowledge (Bielak et al., 2008; Meyer 2010, citing Sverisson, 2001). However, knowledge brokering is understood differently by different actors and in different spaces (Meyer, 2010). How do knowledge brokers operate? Knowledge brokers are said to operate in three ways: as knowledge managers (by identifying, synthesizing, formatting, and disseminating information to inform policy and practice, for example), as linking agents (by facilitating interaction, coordination, and exchange of ideas among different actors and groups), and as capacity builders (by increasing access to knowledge) (Meyer, 2010, citing Oldham & MacLean, 1997; Kislov et al., 2017, citing Bornbaum et al., 2015; Chew et al., 2013; Ward et al., 2009). Thus, knowledge brokering is concerned with knowledge sharing, facilitating information flow, capacity building, and relationship building between different communities (Bielak et al., 2008; Meyer, 2010; Knight & Lyall, 2013; Walting Neal et al., 2022). This involves a variety of approaches and practices, ranging from communication work to identification work to education work (Meyer, 2010). It may involve facilitating interactions by organizing seminars and meetings (Bielak et al., 2008; Meyer, 2010, citing Sverrisson, 2001), or directing those needing evidence to relevant sources of knowledge (Bielak et al., 2008). In addition, knowledge brokering consists of ensuring that different communities (e.g., practitioners, policymakers, and researchers) understand each other's needs and interests or helping to align knowledge production and needs (Bielak et al., 2008; Gluckman et al., 2021). In general, knowledge brokers do not generate new knowledge (Gluckman et al., 2021), but rather 9