The Ontario Drug Policy Research Network: Bridging the gap between Research and Drug Policy

Highlights • We examine the nature of a research and policymaker collaboration that enhances the uptake of research results. • We describe a rapid response approach to conducting research that is pivotal to this collaboration, with a description of potential policy and clinical impacts. • Research uptake depends on timeliness and quality of the research, as well as the political climate. • Understanding the respective fields of research and policymaking and reflecting on lessons learned can create enduring collaborations that encourage evidence-informed policy.