Funding Mechanisms for International Development Research: A Collection of UKCDR Case Studies

Booklet

Funding Mechanisms for International Development Research: A Collection of UKCDR Case Studies

The case study booklet features a collection of seven case studies from a range of UK-based funders of research for development, providing valuable insights into establishing and managing effective funding schemes for ODA-funded research.

Building on UKCDR’s synthesis report of GCRF (Global Challenges Research Fund) and Newton Fund 2022 evaluations, this booklet offers an in-depth look at specific funding approaches within the UK ODA landscape. By focusing on the connection between research design, management, and impact, the publication aims to support the development of more effective funding structures that can drive meaningful development outcomes. 

From this deep dive into seven funding mechanisms for ODA research, UKCDR has distilled nine enablers of impact. These include:  

  • Long-term thinking; 
  • Focus on Low and Middle-Income Country (LMIC) priorities; 
  • Equitable partnerships between the UK and LMICs 
  • Focus on avenues for impact 
  • Co-production with research users 
  • Embedded capacity strengthening 
  • Transdisciplinary research 
  • Support for proposal development; and 
  • Flexibility to respond to emerging needs. 

This booklet is intended to be a valuable resource for those involved in the design and implementation of ODA research funding mechanisms, offering practical guidance to improve future funding approaches. By learning from these diverse case studies, the booklet aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of funding development research and help ensure that future initiatives can maximize their potential for positive, sustainable impact

For more information about this work, please reach out to UKCDR Research and Policy Officer Pablo Soriano-Mena at p.soriano-mena@ukcdr.org.uk.

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