Key discussions and outputs from the SCOR Board Meeting in December 2023
- Executive Director’s report
The Board heard an update, including: the collaboration between UKCDR and PARC (Perivoli Africa Research Centre, University of Bristol) to promote the Africa Charter for Transformative Research Collaboration across UK research stakeholders; the current state of the climate research proof-of-concept; UKCDR’s secondary benefits analysis; and the development of the REF2021 data dashboard.
UKCDR presented the Board with the opportunity to hold a side event to the OECD Committee for Science and Technology Policy Ministerial event, to take place in Paris in April 2024 on the topic of ‘Research for development – Tackling global challenges to leave no one behind’, co-hosted with Agence Française de Développement (AFD). The Board also heard that the UKCDR Executive Director recently moderated a panel discussion on research funding flows in Africa during the Science Granting Council Initiative annual forum.
- International development white paper
The Board discussed the recent publication of the UK government’s white paper on international development and the meaning of the white paper for the Board. It was noted that the white paper received widespread support and its emphasis on research was welcomed. The Board reported positive receptions of the white paper across their organisations and queried whether a separate document on how the paper’s objectives will be achieved will be published. The Board discussed whether SCOR could monitor the implementation of the white paper.
The paper’s focus on fragile contexts, major commitments to climate adaptation and resilience, and recognition of intersecting crises were noted. Board members discussed how the paper can achieve its objectives, including the need for longevity and patient partnerships. Given that funding remains limited, with a return to 0.7% to be considered when the fiscal situation allows, there is a need to articulate the implications of this for the research agenda and look for opportunities to create synergies between different departments. Members discussed the potential role of SCOR’s collective voice in ensuring that activities articulated in the white paper are carried out in a coherent way. Meeting participants agreed that UKCDR would look into using the MODARI tool to extract data on research conducted in each key theme from the white paper.
- Spending review paper
The Board heard that UKCDR has been working with the Officials Group to develop a paper aimed at making the case for continued funding for international development research, which will be submitted to UK Treasury ahead of the next UK government Spending Review. UKCDR may seek the guidance of communications professionals to ensure the paper’s language is adapted and digestible. The Board discussed whether UKCDR could extract key themes from the white paper to inform this work and it was agreed that a story-telling approach, coupled with quantitative analysis evidencing value for money, would be appropriate.
The Board would like to see a draft at the Strategy Day that will be held in April 2024.
- Review of the role of the SCOR Board
The Board discussed the recent circulation of a scoping review on SCOR’s role. The Board’s role has changed since its inception and coherence remains a difficult concept to articulate. A list of questions was formulated to inform the review. Items to be discussed include whether the Board would be more effective with a larger, more diverse membership, or whether a smaller Board could be formed with the view to bring in expertise not currently represented.
All Board members were in favour of a light touch SCOR Board review and agreed on the need for a rapid review, to be led by FCDO and UKRI. This should be completed before the next SCOR Strategy Day.
- UKCDR Operational Update
The Board heard a staff recruitment update; a new Research and Policy Officer will join UKCDR in January, meaning UKCDR will have a full team. Regarding UKCDR’s operating model, UKCDR highlighted the need for funding clarity post-March 2025.
Attendees
Marie Staunton CBE (Chair), Chair of the Board, Independent ; Prof. Charlotte Watts, Chief Scientific Adviser, FCDO; Prof. Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser, DHSC; Frances Wood, International Director, UKRI (MRC representative for purpose of meeting); Cheryl Moore, Chief Research Programmes Officer, Wellcome ; Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, Secretary General, ARUA, Independent member; Prof. Melissa Leach, Director, Institute of Development Studies, Independent member; Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi, Executive Vice President, ACET, Independent member.
UKCDR
- Dr Maggy Heintz, Executive Director
- Anisa Muzaffar, Senior Research and Policy Officer
- Sonja McGuirk, Head of Operations
- Judy Holman, Executive Assistant
Apologies
- Adam Jackson, Deputy Director Global Research and Innovation, DSIT