Policy and Research in DFID

About Policy in DFID

Policy isn’t just about getting experts to write academic papers – it’s about identifying problems, finding solutions and putting those solutions into practice. In other words, it’s about improving the way DFID works and making us more effective in helping people fight poverty.

DFID policies are practical, tailored to the needs of particular countries, and are based on strong evidence of what works. We develop policy across a wide range of sectors – everything from education to water – by consulting widely with our partners, including NGOs, developing country governments, international organisations and the UK public.

Find out more about DFID policy and all the ways we help to fight poverty.

About Research in DFID

New science, technologies and ideas are crucial for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, but global research investments are insufficient to match needs and do not focus on the priorities of the poor. Many technological and policy innovations require a research effort on an international scale. DFID commissions research to help fill this gap, and that has a significant impact on poverty reduction. DFID’s role in development studies research in the UK was highlighted in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.

DFID’s new Research Strategy 2008-2013 (1.4mb) was published on 22 April 2008. At the launch the Secretary of State Douglas Alexander said

"The sheer scale of this investment...will, I believe, put the United Kingdom at the forefront of research for development literally around the world. Yet with the opportunity this affords comes a heavy responsibility – to ensure that research provides the hard evidence we need to make an impact on the lives of the poorest people anywhere on the planet."

To see a feature on the Research Strategy one year one go to Research4Development.
 

Last updated: 22 April 2009