About us

As research funders and policy-makers from across government and science disciplines, we are working together to:

• provide a more coordinated approach to development sciences research
• maximise the impact of UK research funding on international development outcomes.

And we work with international partners to strengthen the research and innovation capacity of poorer countries.  

Why collaborate?

Real world challenges are complex and the science that helps address them rarely drives from a single discipline or funder. Scientists who work in interdisciplinary teams together with policy makers and society can share their knowledge and experiences to develop appropriate solutions.

Collaboration can be difficult and take time. Scientists and policy makers and the user community have different priorities and use different languages. Successful collaborations need the leadership, commitment and facilitation UKCDS provides.

History

UKCDS was announced in December 2006 by the Secretary of State for International Development.  

The concept was proposed by the Development Sciences Working Group (DSWG), which was set up in response to a report on the role of science and technology in international development policy by the then House of Common's Science and Technology Committee.

Since our formation in 2007, UKCDS has improved communication amongst members and stakeholders, helped form collaborations and raised awareness of development sciences. 

Structure

A high level Board, an officials group and secretariat make up UKCDS.

Steering Board
The Steering Board provides strategic direction for UKCDS activities and oversees the work of the officials and the secretariat.

It comprises of Chief Scientists or Executives of each member organisation and is chaired by Scotland's Chief Scientist, Professor Anne Glover.

Officials
Implementing UKCDS strategies and activities are dedicated UKCDS officials from each member organisation, who meet regularly to share information and initiate ideas and opportunities.

Secretariat
Both the Board and officials are supported by a seven person secretariat led by Dr Andrée Carter. The secretariat is located in the Wellcome Trust building in London.

Working groups
Other working groups are established when needed to address specific topics and themes. These groups comprise of representatives from member organisations, other development stakeholders and academia. 

Our funding
UKCDS is funded by its members. We do not provide any funding for research - our aim is to help identify future research needs and facilitate effective collaboration.