IDS has pioneered approaches to linking up the supply of inclusive research with the demand for evidence from governments, donors, international development agencies, and civil society. It has also helped shape the concept of the politics of knowledge and current understandings of the relationship between evidence, policy and practice being social, political and interactive.
We have significant experience of mobilising knowledge in response to urgent humanitarian crises, and also provide tailored development knowledge services to governments and donor agencies as well as centres of excellence for knowledge sharing and engagement. Our research staff and knowledge specialists bring particular experience and expertise in the following areas:
Monitoring, evaluation and learning for impact
We support projects and organisations to design and implement effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks and develop theories of change. We also facilitate learning around research impact and support reflective learning as a key component of impactful research projects and development programmes.
Evidence into use
We work to inform research design that integrates knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement mechanisms from the start. This includes capacity/learning support for internal knowledge management strategies, design of research programme uptake strategies and facilitation of engagement strategies to bring together stakeholders into effective networks and communities of practice.
Digitally enabled knowledge exchange
We advocate for the ‘thoughtful use of technology’, in effectively curating and sharing knowledge. We have the technical and editorial skills to design and develop innovative digital research communications products, to advise on best practise in the use of digital technologies for knowledge exchange and to build the capacity of others to make good use of openly available tools.
Research communications
Generating high quality accessible products designed for maximum engagement including the IDS Bulletin.
Capacity building and mutual learning
Through programmes and projects and providing short courses for institutions and individuals we work at the interface between research evidence and policy and practice.
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