Advancing Implementation Science in Mental Health
The Implementation Research Institute (IRI) strengthens the future of mental health care by training and mentoring early to mid-career investigators in the field of implementation science.
About the Implementation Research Institute
The Implementation Research Institute (IRI) was established to advance the science of implementation in mental health. Through a structured program of training, mentorship, and scholarly collaboration, IRI prepares early to mid-career investigators to develop rigorous research programs that improve the uptake of evidence-based practices in real-world settings.
Our work is grounded in the conviction that strengthening implementation science is essential to bridging the gap between research and practice, thereby enhancing the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of mental health care.
Learn More About Our Mission →
Our Mission and Impact
The mission of the Implementation Research Institute (IRI) is to cultivate a new generation of leaders in implementation science who are equipped to advance mental health research, policy, and practice. By providing intensive training, sustained mentorship, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, IRI enables investigators to develop the skills necessary to design and conduct high-impact implementation studies.
Since its inception, IRI has contributed to the growth of a national network of scholars whose work informs the translation of evidence-based interventions into routine care. Fellows and alumni of the program have secured competitive funding, published influential research, and shaped the scientific and policy agendas that guide the future of mental health services.
Our Fellows and Alumni
At the core of the Implementation Research Institute (IRI) is a distinguished community of fellows who represent the next generation of leaders in implementation science. Each year, a select cohort of early to mid-career investigators is chosen through a highly competitive process to participate in the IRI fellowship. Fellows receive advanced training, structured mentorship, and the opportunity to collaborate with peers and senior faculty in the field.
Alumni of the program have gone on to establish independent research programs, secure major grant funding, and contribute to the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based practices in diverse mental health service settings. Collectively, they form a growing network of scholars whose work is shaping the trajectory of implementation science.
Our Faculty and Mentors
The Implementation Research Institute (IRI) is guided by a distinguished faculty of leading scholars in implementation science and mental health research. Faculty members provide sustained mentorship, share expertise across disciplinary boundaries, and foster the intellectual development of fellows as they pursue innovative lines of inquiry.
Mentorship is central to the IRI model. Through individualized guidance and structured engagement, faculty mentors support fellows in refining research questions, strengthening methodological approaches, and positioning their work for scientific and practical impact. The diverse expertise of IRI’s faculty ensures that fellows are exposed to a broad array of perspectives and strategies essential for advancing the field.
The IRI Training Program
The Implementation Research Institute (IRI) offers an intensive training program designed to equip early to mid-career investigators with the knowledge, skills, and professional networks necessary to advance the science of implementation in mental health. The program combines structured didactic instruction, individualized mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities that address the unique challenges of translating evidence-based practices into real-world settings.
Key elements of the program include:
-
Annual Fellowship – A competitive, two-year fellowship that provides in-depth training and mentorship.
-
Didactic Seminars and Workshops – Instruction in research design, methods, and theories central to implementation science.
-
Mentored Research Development – Guidance in developing competitive grant proposals and peer-reviewed publications.
-
Collaborative Learning Environment – Opportunities for cross-disciplinary exchange and peer-to-peer learning.
Through this comprehensive model, IRI prepares fellows to become leaders in implementation science whose work improves mental health care delivery and outcomes.
Resources and Scholarly Contributions
The Implementation Research Institute (IRI) is committed to advancing the field of implementation science by disseminating knowledge and providing access to scholarly resources. Fellows and faculty contribute to a growing body of literature that informs the translation of evidence-based interventions into routine practice.
Available resources include:
-
Key Publications – Peer-reviewed articles and reports authored by IRI fellows, alumni, and faculty.
-
Research Tools and Frameworks – Methodological guides, measures, and conceptual models that support rigorous implementation studies.
-
Multimedia Resources – Recorded lectures, presentations, and other educational materials developed through IRI programming.
These resources reflect IRI’s ongoing role in shaping the evidence base of implementation science and supporting the broader research community.
News and Updates
The Implementation Research Institute (IRI) regularly shares updates on program activities, scholarly achievements, and developments in the field of implementation science. This includes announcements of new fellowship cohorts, highlights of fellows’ and alumni accomplishments, and information on conferences, workshops, and other professional events.
By documenting these milestones, IRI provides insight into the impact of its training program and the contributions of its growing network of scholars. Visitors are encouraged to explore this section to remain informed about ongoing initiatives and emerging opportunities within the IRI community.
Get Involved with IRI
The Implementation Research Institute (IRI) welcomes engagement from investigators, institutions, and organizations committed to advancing implementation science in mental health. Whether through applying to the fellowship program, collaborating on research initiatives, or supporting the dissemination of evidence-based practices, there are multiple ways to contribute to IRI’s mission.
For inquiries about the fellowship, training opportunities, or potential collaborations, please contact us directly. We look forward to fostering connections that strengthen the science and practice of mental health care.