Department for International Development (DFID)

A founding member of UKCDS, the Department for International Development (DFID) manages Britain's aid to poor countries and works to get rid of extreme poverty.

It works in the UK and in 150 countries around the world to help meet the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs).

Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Scientific Adviser and Head of Research at DFID, sits on the UKCDS Board. 

Research and Policy

DFID's five-year research strategy (2008-2013) focuses on six key areas:

• Growth
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Climate Change
• Health
• Governance in Challenging Environments
• Future Challenges and Opportunities

DFID research is used to address urgent global challenges (particularly climate change), to achieve MDGs and to inform policy and practice both in the UK and developing countries. More information at www.dfid.gov.uk/Working-with-DFID/Research

Research Funding

Up to £1billion will be spent on development research in the five years between 2008-2013.

Research is mainly commisisoned through Research Programme Consortia. The Consortia have a lead organisation, which can be based outside the UK. However some of the partner institutions of the Consortia must be based in developing countries.
 
Calls are issued for expressions of interest in defined areas and announced on the Research for Development website.