Welcome — I’m Melanie Barwick
I’m a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Implementation Science & Practice and Senior Scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and University of Toronto, with academic appointments in Psychiatry, Public Health, and Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Professor and Affiliated Scientist).
My work focuses on implementation science—helping ensure that effective interventions and innovations are implemented and utilized in practice where they can make a meaningful difference. I lead research that bridges science and frontline service delivery, especially in health, mental health, education, and global child health.
I’m especially interested in building the tools, training, and real-world strategies that organizations need to put evidence into action because even the best innovations won’t create impact unless they’re implemented well.
How I Work
I help health systems move innovations from pilot projects to sustained practice.
Health systems invest significant resources in new programs, digital technologies, and evidence-based interventions. Yet many promising innovations struggle to move beyond pilot phases or achieve sustained impact in real-world settings.
My work focuses on helping organizations successfully implement complex innovations using the principles and methods of implementation science.
I am a Senior Scientist at the Research Institute at SickKids in Toronto, where I lead and collaborate on research and implementation initiatives to improve child and youth health services. You can learn more about this work through the SickKids Knowledge Translation Program and my SickKids lab page.
In addition to my academic work, I collaborate with health system leaders, government agencies, and organizations seeking to strengthen their implementation approaches. My advisory work supports organizations that are:
- implementing new models of care
- introducing digital health or AI-enabled technologies
- scaling evidence-based programs
- designing implementation strategies for complex system change
I also design and deliver professional development workshops and develop practical tools focused on dissemination and implementation science through my work with SickKids and through collaborative consulting engagements.
If your organization is planning to implement a new program, digital innovation, or system-level change initiative, I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how implementation science can support your goals.
Contact me to explore potential collaboration.
Acknowledging the Land and Its People
Much of my work takes place on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Petun, Seneca Nations, and the Mississauga’s of the Credit. Today, Toronto is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island.
I am grateful to live and work on this land and to contribute to the health and well-being of all its peoples. I recognize that colonization occurred through unethical and non-consensual processes, and that I benefit from both visible and invisible privileges in a colonized society.
I am committed to ongoing learning and to becoming a stronger ally to Indigenous communities.
The Implementation Playbook (TIP)
TIP is a digital SaaS tool that combines implementation ‘how-to’ with project management.
We are launching our MVP with a small group of users to test feasibility, and hope to launch publicly in 2027. Stay tuned!
The Implementation Roadmap
The Implementation Roadmap© (TIR) is a step-by-step planning tool for implementers in real-world practice settings.
Implementation is a complex process with many moving parts. TIR simplifies the process into five main elements from implementation science to provide a practical and simple-to-follow implementation planning experience. TIR consists of a workbook and poster and is available as a hard copy and digital PDF fillable download.
“EXCELLENT… really inspiring and practical” and “very inspiring and relevant to my work.” Dr. Barwick is “such an engaging speaker” who helped attendees “learn more in that one hour… than across any of my education to date”
Halifax SKTT Participants, 2025
Great modules…[and] the [KT Planning] Template is helpful; something I can easily share with colleagues. I learned so much more than just KT.
SKTT participant
Overall I found this [course] very useful and creative.
SKTT participant
This is a very useful, practical and engaging course. In a field that is still emerging, it provides a thorough introduction to KT and hands-on KT planning experience. It is also a great networking opportunity.
KTPC participant
Best learning experience I have ever had.
KTPC participant
[The] faculty was great, as were support staff. [The] dedication of those involved was evident.
KTPC participant
You will walk away with skills, not just knowledge, an expanded view of what KT is and how it can be used.
KTPC participant