Dissemination & Implementation Science (DISIRN)

Our goal

We empower researchers and practitioners to turn evidence into action and create lasting improvements in health and well-being by developing and applying rigorous, innovative methods in dissemination and implementation science.

Areas of focus

Advancing D&I science

Our work develops new models, tools, and frameworks that improve the design, evaluation, and scalability of interventions across diverse health and social systems. We build, refine, and test rigorous D&I methods that accelerate how evidence becomes actionable practice.

Partnering for real-world impact

In collaboration with communities, practitioners, policymakers, and global partners, we co-create adaptive implementation strategies and context-driven solutions to accelerate the adoption of evidence-based practices locally and globally.

Strengthening networks and capacity

Through training, mentoring, convening, and network-building across disciplines, we cultivate the next generation of implementation scientists and evidence-driven practitioners. We work to expand institutional and field-wide capacity to conduct high-quality implementation research.

Demonstrating the value of D&I science

We show how implementation science benefits patient and population health by sharing stories, data, and real-world impacts.

Leadership


View Faculty Member
Primary faculty
Ross Brownson, PhD
Steven H. and Susan U. Lipstein Distinguished Professor

Ashley Sturm, MA

Network manager

Ashley Sturm is a public health professional with over a decade of experience designing and managing programs that advance public health. For the past five years, Ashley has built infrastructure and led initiatives to strengthen dissemination and implementation (D&I) science at WashU and beyond. She oversees key programs including the WashU Network of D&I Researchers (WUNDIR) and Bootcamp, and co-leads execution of DISIRN’s strategic plan alongside co-directors Brownson, Geng, and Powell. Her professional interests include human-centered design and fostering meaningful collaboration among researchers and practice partners.

What we do

News & updates

A woman walks as she gives a speech on a platform

Can we bridge the health communications implementation gap?

WashU Public Health symposium explores how to promote public health by improving communication between experts, public

February 14, 2026

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Closing the research-practice gap

Implementation depends not just on connection, but on pathways that move evidence toward impact. In a recent article, a group of WashU implementation scientists argue that closing the research-practice gap requires a fundamental shift in how universities define and reward impact.

The Source

February 6, 2026

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Improving public health communication with implementation science

WashU Public Health convening will discuss how integrating implementation science, health communication can improve health

January 24, 2026

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Get in touch

For questions about the Dissemination & Implementation Science Innovation Research Network, or for potential collaboration, email [email protected].