Transfer activities among Canadian researchers: Evidence in occupational safety and health

The purpose of this paper is to investigate activities of research transfer, the extent of the use of these activities, and the research transfer determinants. This study is based on a population of more than 400 researchers in the field of occupational safety and health (OSH) in Canada, who completed an electronic questionnaire. The results show notably that there is no significant statistical difference between fields for the four activities of research transfer and that several factors have a significant impact on research transfer. Researchers in OSH constituted a rather homogenous unit and can improve the research transfer notably by the adaptation of knowledge, by focusing the research on users’ needs and by improving their link with users.

Research highlights► There is no difference between fields for the four activities of research transfer. ► The adaptation of knowledge can improve the research transfer. ► The focus of research on users’ needs can improve the research transfer. ► The linkage between researchers and users can improve the research transfer.