Building institutional capacity, engaging stakeholders in solution-oriented research, and creating mechanisms for policy dialogues are all recognized as crucial elements to mobilize research on health systems and clinical research for the public good. Yet, challenges in the field of global health research abound. Health systems are fragile, research capacity is strained, and competing government priorities may thwart the implementation of research findings. Furthermore, key enablers of reciprocal relationships among researchers in higher and lower income countries may be absent, reducing the likelihood of innovations being transferred across global settings. This symposium explores and addresses these challenges, using examples of innovative global health research and knowledge translation strategies supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Global Health Research Initiative. Structures that foster knowledge translation, innovation exchange and reciprocal learning within and between countries will be highlighted. This symposium will discuss mechanisms to support the uptake of global health research findings in practice, programs, and policies. The audience will be included in discussion about challenges and opportunities.