On October 14, 2025, an exciting new development in agricultural innovation emerged from St. Louis, Missouri, with the official announcement of the inaugural awardees of the Core Facilities Access Fund. Spearheaded by the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and powered by the network of Cultivar STL, this ambitious initiative is poised to significantly enhance agricultural research capabilities and foster the growth of emerging startups based in Latin America. This funding mechanism specifically aims to provide vital access to cutting-edge scientific infrastructure, empowering select startups to effectively scale their innovative solutions to address pressing agricultural challenges.

The Core Facilities Access Fund has been uniquely designed to bridge the gap between exceptional scientific research and the real-world application of solutions that can promote sustainable agricultural practices. Promising startups hailing from Argentina, Costa Rica, and four other Latin American nations—including Chile, Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador—submitted applications to access the resources housed within the Danforth Center’s expansive array of Core Facilities. This competitive selection process underscores a collaborative spirit between a myriad of partners committed to nurturing innovation within the St. Louis agricultural ecosystem while simultaneously bolstering the capabilities of Latin American agrifood technologies.

Central to the mission of the Core Facilities is the capacity to not only provide advanced technology but also access to highly skilled experts who can maximize these technological resources. Through this initiative, selected projects will be afforded access to specialized tools and laboratories capable of de-risking their product development pathways. As articulated by Dr. Katie Murphy, who oversees the Phenotyping Core Facility, the aim is to foster agricultural advancements that can meet contemporary challenges confronting the industry, thereby validating and critically assessing emerging technologies at various stages of their lifecycle.

Two startups have risen above the rest, earning a coveted spot in this inaugural round of funding. Each company embodies the transformative spirit of innovation that this initiative seeks to promote. The first, APOLO Biotech from Argentina, has developed a pioneering RNA-based technology designed to enhance plant protection and improve performance. This approach holds the potential to address world food security issues by delivering sustainable solutions aimed at minimizing crop losses. By leveraging the Danforth Center’s exceptional high-throughput phenotyping capabilities, APOLO will validate the effects of their product on plant health and water use, ultimately exploring new applications for their innovative technology.

Meanwhile, Innovaciones Circulares, based in Costa Rica, is tackling the phosphorus crisis head-on with their revolutionary modular reactor designed for swine farm operations. This dual-purpose technology not only recovers phosphorus fertilizer but also treats wastewater—highlighting the importance of sustainability in modern agriculture. Innovaciones Circulares’ project will meticulously evaluate their fertilizer against traditional practices, utilizing the Danforth Center’s Bioanalytical Chemistry, Phenotyping, Data Science, and Plant Growth Facilities to comprehensively assess the impact of their fertilizer on various indicators of plant health and growth.

The overarching vision of the Core Facilities Access Fund is to create pathways for innovation and collaboration that transcend geographical boundaries, connecting Latin American startups with world-class resources in St. Louis. As Stephanie Regagnon from The Yield Lab Institute remarked, this initiative is emblematic of a collective commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and nurturing promising technologies that could have far-reaching impacts on food systems globally.

Supporting these startups also aligns with the broader goal of the St. Louis biotechnology corridor, which aims to be a focal point for agritech advancements. As these selected startups mature in their technology development, both the Danforth Center and its partners harbor hopes that when the time is right for these companies to establish a presence within the United States, St. Louis will be viewed as a strategic launchpad for their operations, solidifying the city’s significance as a leader in agricultural innovation.

Additional efforts undertaken by the Core Facilities extend beyond individual projects. By providing hands-on access to a suite of technologies and resources, the initiative reinforces a culture of innovation that fosters partnerships not just among local institutes but also across international lines. This interconnected ecosystem has the potential to stimulate knowledge transfer, accelerate the advent of novel solutions to agricultural challenges, and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable food future.

The Danforth Center’s Core Facilities have long served as a nexus for research and development in plant science, offering a diverse array of services not only to internal teams but also to academic labs and companies engaged in cutting-edge agricultural research. As such, the facilities stand ready to offer both self-service equipment and end-to-end support for experimentation and analysis. Content-rich interactions between Core Facility Directors and startups will yield invaluable insights that fuel the growth trajectory of the selected projects.

The strategic establishment of the Core Facilities Access Fund exemplifies an integrated approach to advancing agricultural science. By uniting stakeholders from various sectors, including governmental agencies and philanthropic organizations such as Breakthrough Energy Discovery, the initiative secures critical financial support and operational expertise necessary for fostering sustained innovation. It catalyzes momentum within the St. Louis agtech landscape, ensuring that startups can explore and validate ambitious concepts more confidently.

The significance of this initiative extends beyond immediate physical resources; it embodies a larger narrative about the potential for international collaboration in addressing global challenges, particularly in agriculture. As the selected startups carry the mantle of innovation, they are not just representatives of their respective nations; they symbolize a broader movement committed to creating a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future. By harnessing collective strengths, the Core Facilities Access Fund positions itself as an influential contributor to the evolution of agtech solutions that could have significant impacts on climate change, food security, and economic development.

The call for transformative solutions in agriculture has never been more urgent, given the increasing strain on natural resources and the pressing challenges posed by climate change. This new wave of technology-driven startups emerges at a critical juncture, equipped and ready to explore novel pathways that could revolutionize our approach to farming and food production. In conclusion, the development of the Core Facilities Access Fund not only elevates the importance of scientific collaboration but also ignites hope for a future where innovation leads to impactful results benefiting our global communities.

Subject of Research: Access Fund for Agricultural Innovations
Article Title: Transformative Research Initiative Boosts Latino Startups Through Core Facilities Access Fund
News Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Web References: Danforth Center, Cultivar STL, The Yield Lab Institute, BioSTL
References: (Not applicable)
Image Credits: (Not applicable)

Keywords

Research has increasingly revealed that traditional methods of disseminating findings, which often involve publishing articles in journals and waiting for their impact, fall short in achieving substantial change in practice or policy. In contrast, IKT encourages a collaborative dynamic where researchers and end-users co-develop research questions, methodologies, and dissemination strategies. This involvement not only elevates the relevance of the research being conducted but also fosters a sense of ownership among stakeholders, ultimately leading to better implementation of findings.

At the core of IKT is the recognition that knowledge creation is not a unidirectional process. Instead, it’s an interactive journey that benefits from diverse perspectives. When stakeholders contribute their insights at different stages of the research process, they provide valuable context that might be overlooked by researchers who are deeply entrenched in theoretical frameworks. This co-creation of knowledge enhances the applicability of findings and tailors them to the specific needs of target populations or communities, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful implementation.

Moreover, the realist review conducted by Kothari et al. sheds light on the mechanisms that make IKT effective. By examining existing literature and synthesizing findings, the researchers aim to identify key factors that facilitate successful integrated knowledge translation. One critical factor is the establishment of trust among stakeholders. Trust is foundational in fostering collaborative relationships, where researchers feel confident that their findings will be respectfully interpreted and utilized by practitioners and decision-makers.

The review also highlights that timing and context are crucial elements in IKT. Research must be conducted and disseminated in a manner that is responsive to the evolving challenges faced by health systems. For instance, if a research study uncovers important insights during a public health crisis, timely dissemination of those insights is vital. Furthermore, understanding the specific environment in which a study will be implemented allows researchers to tailor their findings to fit the unique challenges and opportunities present in that context.

Educational initiatives can also play a significant role in the successful implementation of IKT. Training programs designed for both researchers and stakeholders can equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively engage in this collaborative process. Workshops, webinars, and other forms of education can serve as platforms for dialogue and exchange, allowing all involved parties to express their needs, expectations, and concerns.

Another interesting aspect of IKT that the review touches upon is the role of technology in facilitating knowledge transfer. In our digitally connected world, various platforms can be utilized to enhance communication between researchers and stakeholders. Social media, webinars, and collaborative online spaces provide avenues for real-time interaction, knowledge sharing, and collective problem-solving. By harnessing these technologies, IKT can transcend traditional barriers and promote a more inclusive and participatory approach to research dissemination.

Despite the promise of integrated knowledge translation, its widespread adoption has not been without challenges. One major obstacle is the reluctance of some researchers to involve practitioners and policymakers early in the research process, often due to concerns that their academic rigor may be compromised. However, integrating the voices of these stakeholders does not diminish academic standards; rather, it enriches the research with practical insights and enhances its overall relevance.

The review also emphasizes the ongoing need for evaluating the outcomes of IKT approaches. Establishing clear metrics for success is imperative in order for researchers to understand the effectiveness of their engagement strategies. Such evaluations can provide evidence that may further incentivize researchers to engage in IKT, as well as empower stakeholders to invest in partnerships that yield meaningful health outcomes.

Furthermore, the review addresses the importance of funding mechanisms that support IKT initiatives. Research budgets often prioritize traditional dissemination strategies, leaving little room for innovative approaches that involve multiple stakeholders. Policymakers and funders must recognize the value of IKT and allocate resources to initiatives that prioritize stakeholder engagement and collaborative frameworks.

As our understanding of health and illness becomes increasingly complex, the need for integrated approaches to knowledge translation continues to grow. Moving forward, it is essential that researchers adopt a mindset that embraces inclusivity and collaboration. Only through a collective effort can we harness the full potential of scientific inquiry to inform practices and policies that genuinely benefit our communities.

In conclusion, the realist review by Kothari et al. presents a compelling case for integrated knowledge translation as an indispensable approach to research in health policy and systems. It underscores the need for a paradigm shift in how research is conducted and disseminated, advocating for deeper engagement among all relevant stakeholders. By fostering collaboration, trust, and timely communication, IKT can unlock the potential of research to translate theoretical insights into tangible health benefits for society.

In an age where public health challenges are more prominent than ever, the adoption of integrated knowledge translation can empower communities, enhance health systems, and ultimately pave the way for a healthier future. The journey toward effective knowledge translation may be multifaceted and complex, but the potential rewards are immeasurable, making it a worthy pursuit for researchers and stakeholders alike.

Subject of Research: Integrated Knowledge Translation in Health Research

Article Title: How does integrated knowledge translation work? A realist review.

Article References:

Kothari, A., Sibbald, S.L., McCutcheon, C. et al. How does integrated knowledge translation work? A realist review.
Health Res Policy Sys 23, 102 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-025-01374-0

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI:

Keywords: Integrated Knowledge Translation, Research, Stakeholder Engagement, Health Policy, Collaboration.

At its core, PROCEED aims to untangle the complex web of skills, strategies, and processes that underpin successful dissemination of evidence-based practices. Unlike traditional approaches that merely quantify dissemination outputs, this protocol emphasizes a process-oriented perspective, meticulously evaluating the competencies involved at each stage of dissemination—from initial knowledge synthesis to final implementation in diverse contexts. By doing so, it seeks to establish a nuanced understanding of what constitutes effective dissemination competence, recognizing that the pathway from evidence to impact is neither linear nor uniform.

The impetus for such an evaluation framework emerges from a growing recognition that dissemination is more than just broadcasting findings; it requires tailoring communication to target audiences, navigating institutional and cultural barriers, and fostering sustained engagement among stakeholders. PROCEED’s approach is thus framed within implementation science, integrating theoretical constructs with pragmatic assessment tools designed to capture the dynamic interplay between disseminators, recipients, and contextual variables. This multifaceted methodology positions PROCEED at the forefront of advancing dissemination science, offering potential to inform training programs and policy decisions.

One of the most compelling aspects of the PROCEED protocol is its emphasis on process-based evaluation metrics that move beyond outcome-oriented measures. Rather than solely focusing on whether dissemination activities lead to behavior change or policy adoption, the protocol scrutinizes the competencies that drive these outcomes. This shift in focus acknowledges that dissemination success is predicated on intermediate processes such as audience analysis, message framing, and feedback incorporation, all of which require distinct skill sets that can be systematically assessed and developed.

The study protocol details innovative mixed-method assessment strategies, combining quantitative scales with qualitative interviews to derive a comprehensive competence profile. This design facilitates the capture of both measurable behaviors and underlying cognitive and motivational factors that guide dissemination efforts. By doing so, PROCEED not only identifies strengths and gaps in individual and organizational capacity but also elucidates contextual enablers and barriers, thereby informing tailored capacity-building interventions.

Fundamentally, PROCEED challenges existing paradigms by proposing that dissemination competence is multidimensional and evolves over time as disseminators gain experience and adapt to diverse scenarios. The protocol’s longitudinal perspective permits tracking competence development, thereby offering insights into effective training modalities and professional development pathways that can sustain and amplify dissemination impact over extended periods.

Moreover, the PROCEED framework incorporates principles of equity and inclusivity, recognizing that effective dissemination must account for diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic factors to ensure that evidence-based interventions reach and resonate with marginalized populations. This commitment to social justice reinforces the protocol’s relevance in contemporary public health and clinical practice environments, where addressing disparities remains a paramount goal.

Technically, the protocol incorporates rigorous psychometric validation procedures to ensure that the competence assessment instruments possess reliability and validity across different settings and populations. This methodological rigor underpins the credibility and generalizability of the findings, facilitating broader adoption of the tools within academic, clinical, and policy-making domains.

The dissemination process assessed by PROCEED encompasses several interconnected domains, including knowledge translation, communication skills, stakeholder engagement, and organizational navigation. By dissecting these domains, the protocol offers a granular understanding of dissemination activities, enabling precise identification of leverage points for improvement. Such granularity represents a significant advancement over prior frameworks that treated dissemination as a monolithic construct.

Importantly, the study protocol anticipates potential challenges in operationalizing process-based competence evaluations, such as variability in institutional resources, differing expectations among stakeholders, and the inherently dynamic nature of implementation contexts. Through iterative piloting and stakeholder consultation, PROCEED incorporates adaptive mechanisms to refine its tools and procedures, enhancing their usability and relevance in real-world settings.

The implications of adopting the PROCEED framework extend beyond academic research, touching upon healthcare delivery, policy formulation, and community engagement. By equipping professionals with a structured means to evaluate and enhance their dissemination competencies, the protocol promises to accelerate the translation of evidence into impactful actions, ultimately improving health outcomes and population well-being.

As knowledge dissemination increasingly embraces digital platforms and innovative communication technologies, PROCEED’s process-oriented lens ensures that competence assessments remain attuned to emerging dissemination modalities. This future-proofing aspect is crucial in a rapidly evolving information landscape characterized by the proliferation of social media, virtual collaborations, and data-driven decision-making.

The PROCEED protocol also aligns synergistically with broader implementation science frameworks, complementing ongoing efforts to standardize metrics and best practices in knowledge translation. By filling a notable void in competence assessment, PROCEED advances a holistic approach that marries theoretical rigor with practical applicability, setting a new standard for dissemination science.

In sum, the introduction of the PROCEED study protocol marks a pivotal step toward refining how we understand, assess, and cultivate the competencies necessary for effective evidence-based dissemination. Its sophisticated, process-based methodology holds promise for transforming dissemination from an ad hoc activity into a scientifically grounded discipline with clear pathways for professional development and impact optimization. As the research community embraces this paradigm shift, PROCEED may well become instrumental in bridging the longstanding divide between evidence generation and meaningful societal change.

Subject of Research:
Evaluation of dissemination competence in evidence-based practice through a process-based framework.

Article Title:
A process-based competence evaluation for evidence-based dissemination (PROCEED): a study protocol.

Article References:
Gorinelli, S., Sairanen, E., Hofmann, S.G. et al. A process-based competence evaluation for evidence-based dissemination (PROCEED): a study protocol. BMC Psychol 13, 912 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03228-4

Image Credits: AI Generated