IDS aims to stimulate debate and influence the way people think about development issues. It has an active publishing programme ranging from final research reports to working papers presenting research at its early stages.

The links below take you to a chronological list of the titles in each series.

IDS Bulletin

The IDS Bulletin brings together the latest thinking and research from programmes and events at IDS and presents them in an accessible way for development practitioners, policymakers and researchers. It is the flagship publication of the Institute of Development Studies.

IDS Working Papers

Present work in progress and interim results from a wide range of current research projects. Fifteen to twenty working papers are published annually.

IDS Discussion Papers

Presentation of new ideas and research material, circulated to stimulate discussion and comment. This is an occasional peer reviewed series.

IDS Rapid Response Briefings

These aim to provide high level analysis of rapidly emerging and unexpected global events, and their impact on global development policy and practice.

IDS Research Reports

Final reports of major research projects carried out at IDS. Policy conclusions are backed up by detailed analysis, data, methodology and references. This is an occasional series.

IDS Research Summaries

Two-page summaries of IDS Working Papers and other key research outputs. Each edition explores the literature on a major development theme and provides a comprehensive guide to readers. Entries are fully annotated and indexed, and an overview chapter sets the debate around the subject in context. Ideal for those with limited access to the literature and for students and others who need to update themselves on a subject quickly. This is an occasional series.

IDS Policy Briefings

These briefings are based on the latest IDS research and aim to provide high quality analysis and practical recommendations for policy makers on important development issues. They replace the In Focus Policy Briefing (IFPB) series.

IDS Practice Papers

This series is a bridge between the considered reflection of Working Papers and the policy-oriented In Focus Policy Briefings; and aims for high quality engaged scholarship with the development community. 

IDS Practice Papers In Brief 

Produced by the Impact and Learning Team (ILT) at IDS, the In Briefs aim to share research experiences and learning around ideas we are exploring in the context of the work on knowledge brokers and information intermediaries.

IDS Evidence Reports

This new series reports findings and implications arising from case studies, country cases and literature reviews as part of the Strengthening Evidence-based Policy programme.