ABSTRACT:
ESSENCE on Health Research is a network of funders committed to strengthening health research capacity in LMICs through coordinated and harmonized approaches. With funding increasingly constrained, it is essential that investments in health research deliver timely and demonstrable public health impact. Implementation research (IR) is central to maximizing limited resources by enabling the rapid, efficient and context appropriate uptake of evidence-based interventions, thereby accelerating the transition from evidence to practice. This session will examine how IR can advance public health goals and provide a platform for exchange among stakeholders involved in producing, funding and applying such research. Sustained interaction across these groups is vital to ensuring that funded work aligns with current public health needs and effectively supports practitioners. Preliminary work, including a literature review, surveys and interviews with funding agencies has identified thematic priorities that strengthen IR for public health. Additional insights will be gathered from public health associations, national public health institutes and frontline practitioners. AI supported tools will help collect and triangulate perspectives from research funders and users. The session will draw on a recent IR initiatives on malaria and applications in noncommunicable disease contexts. The panel will identify ways in which IR can generate evidence for public health. The session will support sustained engagement and reinforce shared understanding between funders and practitioners regarding needs and practices. By identifying urgent public health priorities and aligning these with stakeholder perspectives, we aim to strengthen coordination among funders, researchers and research users. Follow up engagement will help maintain momentum around IR. Proposed participants: Morven Roberts (GACD), Michelle Mulder (SAMRC), Jordan Kyongo (Gates Foundation), Dr Lwando Maki (PHASA), Dr Khabiso Ramphoma (PHASA DPH SIG), Dr Lul Riek (Africa CDC), ABRASCO, AMOSAPU, PHA France, and Institutes of Public Health from Angola, Mozambique or Canada.