The SPOR Evidence Alliance aims to create a culture of learning and innovation that grows, supports and sustains an environment for patient-oriented research with a focus on knowledge synthesis, guideline development and knowledge translation.

Using the SPOR Capacity Development Framework, our capacity-building strategy was built with consideration for the following guiding principles:

• Developing and mobilizing expertise: Building on the existing diverse set of expertise and skills of the research community to strengthen the capacity of patient-oriented research by providing opportunities for training, collaboration and mentorship in knowledge synthesis, guideline development and knowledge translation.
• Supporting careers: Creating supportive environments that include training and mentorship opportunities.
• Facilitating collaboration: Supporting a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment and fostering integration, respect and mentorship among researchers, patient partners and health system decision-makers.
• Building a culture of knowledge-to-action research: Creating a culture for demand-driven and context-sensitive research, and enhancing capacity to translate new knowledge into practice.

We offer a range of learning opportunities including courses, workshops, webinars, web-based learning, mentorship opportunities, annual seed grants, and scientific meetings.

All training activities have been tailored to adult learning behaviours that promote an environment for self-directed learning and provide practical material relevant to their needs.

These learning opportunities are tailored to three groups of learners:

1. 1. Graduate-level trainees and fellows, to grow their skills and knowledge in advancing the science and practice of knowledge synthesis, guideline development and knowledge translation in a patient-oriented research environment.
   2. Researchers and research staff, to build on their diverse expertise and skills in health research and focusing on strengthening their capacity of knowledge synthesis, guideline development, and knowledge translation in a patient-oriented research setting.
   3. Patient partners and health system decision-makers (e.g., clinicians, healthcare managers and policy-makers), to develop basic knowledge of the science of knowledge synthesis, guideline development, and knowledge translation in a patient-oriented research environment, and how to apply research evidence into practice.