The Health Research Transfer Network of Alberta is built on the interest and enthusiasm of individuals and organizations across Alberta who are committed to improving health services and health outcomes through the application of research knowledge. [...] In response to the second question, the overall theme from the participants was that the researchers must be responsive to the end users of the new knowledge. [...] Donna identifi ed the skills needed to accomplish the 'front end work' essential to knowledge-brokering: building relationships; identifying relevant extant research; synthesizing and evaluating research; creating user friendly versions of research; pointing out the relevance of the research to decision-makers and the implications for policy decisions; and disseminating the results. [...] The impact of the HTA reports was augmented by decision-maker awareness of the scientifi c caliber of the HTA process and the capacity of the researchers to translate the scientifi c evidence into the policy context. [...] As well, these skills enable the broker to navigate through the complexities and dynamism of the health care system and to build capacity to promote knowledge exchange, the development of new research and implementation of decisions and continuous change.