Washington University Nutrition Obesity Research Center

The primary goal of the new Dissemination and Implementation Science Core (DISC) is to provide NORC investigators with support integrating dissemination and implementation science into their nutrition and obesity-related research programs. The dissemination and implementation of biomedical discoveries is challenging but an absolute necessity to ensure people benefit from investments in nutrition and obesity research, and connect biomedical discovery and evidence-based practices, interventions, and policies. The DISC will help NORC investigators develop the knowledge and skills needed to apply state-of-the-art dissemination and implementation science to their research programs through the following two specific aims. Aim 1 will provide individual consultation and training in dissemination and implementation scientific methods for nutrition and obesity research through which we will: a) conceptualize and design implementation science studies, b) develop a dissemination plan for studies, c) ensure efficient use of dissemination and implementation web-based toolkits and other resources, and d) conduct manuscript and grant application reviews. Aim 2 will build team capacity in the broad range of skills essential for dissemination and implementation research. To accomplish this aim we will: a) engage NORC investigators in the Washington University Network for Dissemination and Implementation Research (WUNDIR), a regular (every 6 weeks) event that addresses methodological and conceptual challenges of research grants and publications that involve dissemination and implementation science and fosters multidisciplinary team science; and b) coordinate biannual day-long Next Steps events, in which NORC investigators form collaborative teams to develop manuscripts and/or grant proposals that incorporate dissemination and implementation science into nutrition and obesity research. The application of dissemination and implementation science to T1 and T2 research provided by the DISC is cutting edge in support of the earliest phases of translational research, which will accelerate the translation of knowledge from NORC discoveries to real-world settings, and improve the potential for impact on population health.