This report aims to contribute to the evolving conversation around equity in research partnerships. with a specific focus on how equity is understood and experienced by research funders in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) and High-Income Countries (HICs).
Research for development: the meaning of equity in funder-level partnerships was developed in consultation with global funders of research, providing an in-depth analyses into the challenges influencing their partnerships. The report features nine key insights with related areas for action mapped onto UKCDR and ESSENCE’s Four Approaches to Supporting Equitable Research Partnerships:
- Recognise the systemic nature of equity challenges
- De-centre coloniality to transform the research partnership ecosystem;
- Equity means different things to different actors;
- Strengthen research systems within LMICs;
- Respect the autonomy and agendas of LMIC-based funders;
- Value all forms of contribution to research;
- Take a medium- to long-term approach to partnership building;
- Ensure funding parameters are not driven by HIC norms and policies; and
- Address ownership and control over research outputs at the funder-level.
These findings point to equity as a systemic challenge requiring changes across the global research ecosystem. However, the report also emphasises that there are actionable steps funders can take to improve how they engage with each other and to drive re-balancing within the international development research space.
This study will contribute to ongoing efforts to transform the research for development sector and catalyse broader rethinking of equity, focusing not only on research outcomes, but also on the relationships between funders and the foundational structures supporting development.
To engage with our team on this report, please contact Executive Director, Maggy Heintz, at m.heintz@ukcdr.org.uk.