Capacity strengthening

Countries need an effective higher education system and an innovative research community to help address pressing social and economic problems.

Research Capacity Strengthening Group

Our Research Capacity Strengthening Group (RCSG) comprises 13 UK stakeholders engaged in research, innovation and higher education capacity strengthening in developing countries.

Through the RCSG, stakeholders can share information, improve coordination and collaboration and learn from each other's experiences.  

Participating organisations:

• Association of Commonwealth Universities 
• The British Academy 
• The British Council 
• CAAST-Net 
• Department for International Development 
• Economic and Social Research Council  
• International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP) 
• Medical Research Council
• Research Councils UK
• The Royal Academy of Engineering 
• The Royal Society
• The Royal Society of Chemistry 
• The Wellcome Trust 

For more information please contact Kate O'Shea/ +44 (0)207 611 8276.

UKCDS published a report entitled 'Monitoring and evaluation capacity strenghtening initiatives - defining the questions, considering approaches', which followed on from a workshop that considered capacity strengthening from a ‘theory of change' perspective to help identify and address core issues influencing evaluation techniques and thinking.

Learned Societies have a number of capacity building activities, that aim to support scientists in developing countries through activities such as research grants, fellowships, travel funds and mentoring.