Embedding coproduction: translational impacts of a sustained research-policy coalition in Tasmania, Australia

Long-term inter-organizational research-policy collaborations that support research coproduction are uncommon and an overlooked preventive health research impact pathway. This study examines how an Australian research-policy coalition involving approximately 25 research and policy members from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research (Menzies), University of Tasmania and Public Health Services, Tasmanian Government Department of Health has evolved over time. Using a mixed methods approach the study investigates the elements that have been critical for supporting the long-standing nature of the collaboration and identifies translational research impacts. Data sources included coalition documentation (i.e. contract reports, funding agreements), stakeholder interviews (N = 9), and a workshop with informal network mapping (N = 13). Interview transcripts and documents were analysed through thematic and discourse analysis. Network data mapping individual connections between coalition members and between the coalition and other organizations were collated and analysed descriptively. Impacts were categorized using Sibley's seven effects of research coproduction. Analysis of four tri-annual funding agreements (between 2009 and 2023) revealed discoursal changes in measuring preventive health research planning, outcomes and impacts. A growing focus on relational engagement between researchers and policymakers across research priority areas, collaborative practices and joint capacity building activities to promote coproduction of translational research was evident. Interviews revealed these changes were intentional and while valued, the changes created tensions around the expectations of involvement for some coalition members. System factors undermined some engagement strategies such as co-location. Coalition members had worked together for 5.8 years on average (range 0-35 years) most commonly through information sharing, joint research planning and strategy development. Coalition impacts covered all seven effects of research coproduction. This study highlights the value of a long-term commitment to an inter-organizational research-policy coalition to enhance preventive health knowledge translation into policy and practice. Focusing on building and strengthening relational and systemic approaches to researcher-policymaker engagement, the coalition has evolved to embed research coproduction to enhance research relevance and impact.