Research in the International Development Department

For over 50 years, we have been committed to conducting research that is innovative, interdisciplinary and policy-relevant.

We have strong networks of researchers around the world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, South and South-East Asia and Latin America, and our analysis is based on a rich combination of methodologies.

The policy significance of our work means that it is supported by a range of funders, including the ESRC, British Academy, NERC, the European Union, the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the UK government and other multilateral and bilateral aid agencies.

We communicate our findings to multiple audiences all over the world through our world leading publications, media engagement, and external and internal seminars and lectures, quarterly newsletter (sign-up to the newsletter) and our blog. Our research also contributes to and informs the education and training we offer, so that students are consistently exposed to cutting-edge ideas and debates.

Our research strengths are located within six research themes. Within each theme, you can find information about our projects, people and publications.

Our research centre programmes include:

• the Governance, Social Development, Humanitarian, Conflict (GSDRC) knowledge management centre 
• the Serious Organised Crime and Anti-corruption Evidence (SOC ACE) research programme
• the Australian government-funded Developmental Leadership Program (DLP)
• the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation