Current Work Streams
UKCDS submission to HEFCE consultation on a Research Excellence Framework - further information available here
Capacity building
UKCDS is currently undertaking a range of activities relating to strengthening UK and developing countries' capacity for research and innovation relevant to development. These include:
- Establishing a research and higher education capacity strengthening coordinating group
- Organising a scoping workshop on impact assessment
- Undertaking a scan of the knowledge exchange policies, processes and mechanisms of our members
- Adding value to initiatives to map development science research initiatives, projects and capacity
- Continuing engagement on improving research assessment in the UK
Please contact us for further information on any of these activities.
UKCDS is currently undertaking a range of activities relating to strengthening UK and developing countries' capacity for research and innovation relevant to development. These include:
- Establishing a research and higher education capacity strengthening coordinating group
- Organising a scoping workshop on impact assessment
- Undertaking a scan of the knowledge exchange policies, processes and mechanisms of our members
- Adding value to initiatives to map development science research initiatives, projects and capacity
- Continuing engagement on improving research assessment in the UK
Please contact us for further information on any of these activities.
Climate change (CC)
The UKCDS is mapping out all the current funding initiatives and activities that board member organisations are involved in with regards to climate change issues so that opportunities can be identified for further collaboration or strengthening activities.
Progress
- Phase 3: UKCDS proposal for a framework for collaboration on "Climate change and the land, water and food interface". Result of a participatory process, based on outputs of experts workshop aimed at understanding needs, gaps and priorities. Range of stakeholders (UK & International) making best use of experts from different disciplines. Aimed at linking disparate research activities within regions in order to maximise the impact research can have on policy and planning. Click here for the report and here for the presentation.
Click here to view the presentations from the UKCDS scoping workshop held in May on Climate Change and Development. - Phase 2: UKCDS mapping of future direction for UKCDS members and other stakeholders identified underlying themescentred on complex impacts, processes and vulnerabilities linked to climate change related shocks and stresses. Gaps in evidence on impacts on development, where poorest are likely to be hit the hardest. Clear need to have people who are adapting shape and own the research agenda and learning processes will be critical to success. Building adaptive capacity will require strong links between civil society, policy and research communities. Click here for the report and here for the presentation.
- Phase 1: UKCDS review of UK funded research on climate change found that approximatley 2% of funding was specifically relevant to developing countries. If broader applicability to well-being of research was considered, then 40% of funding would be relevant. Review found evidence of considerable shared activities, but a lack of coherent frameworks and programmes. Emerging themes included human well-being, managing climate risk and monitoring and evaluation. Click here for the report and here for the presentation. Click here for Annex 8: Health Consequences of Climate Change and here for Annex 9: Options for Improving Climate Scenarios and Impact Assessment Capacity in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The UKCDS will be working with the Horizon Scanning Centre of the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), who are considered to be a world leader in futures work, to help highlight the future science and technology needs of developing countries. The preparatory work will involve participation of scientists, policy makers and funders from the UK and developing countries.'
Progress
- DIUS/Foresight Horizon Scanning Centre meeting
- Need to identify and agree ‘the question’ and develop proposal for work programme and approval
- UKCDS officials meeting to ‘brainstorm’ issue at next meeting
- UKCDS presentation at CIWEM meeting October at The Oval, London, ‘Horizon scanning for the science and technology needs of developing countries’.
