Knology’s model is unconventional: we think applied research can be dynamic in a shifting landscape, customized to the context, and independently minded. This model gave partners, funders, and our own organization the flexibility to navigate the tumult of 2020. We feature three types of applied research that excelled this year: a research partnership that improved a professional association’s capacity to use data, a localized initiative in Los Angeles, and a federally funded research project with a news organization.

How a Research Partnership Informs the Work of a Sector

In collaboration with the Association of Children's Museums, Knology publishes ACM Trends Reports, a research-focused publication series for museum professionals. Since 2016, the Trends Reports series has helped this field identify patterns in their sector and plan for large-scale shifts. In 2020, we studied the impacts of the pandemic on the museum field and provided essential analysis through the Trends Reports. Overall, this initiative shows how professional associations can leverage research for collective work toward a mission. Read about the ACM Trends Research Series >>

A Strategic Approach for Greening Urban Neighborhoods

When it comes to resilience, programs and planning must take a holistic approach. These considerations should include environmental, social, municipal, and equity elements, among others. In 2020, we partnered with Los Angeles-based City Plants to explore what an on-the-ground resilience strategy can be. Read about the Greening Urban Neighborhoods Project >>

Changing Media Practices & the Future of STEM Journalism

In partnership with the science reporting team at PBS NewsHour, we studied how early career adults interact with news about science, technology, engineering, and math. The study revealed that early career adults are skilled at navigating media platforms and finding news content that interests them. This National Science Foundation-funded research highlights the ways news media organizations can structure stories to reach this audience. Read about Changing Media Practices Research >>

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