The Rethinking Research Collaborative (RRC) is an informal international network of academics, civil society organisations and social movements, international NGOs, and research support providers who are committed to working together to explore the politics of evidence and participation in knowledge for international development. Working in partnership is increasingly encouraged in the international development research sector. Initiatives such as the UK’s Global Challenges Research Fund and the Newton Fund promote ‘fair and equitable partnerships’ between different stakeholders but recognize the challenges this involves. A new report and learning resources offer fresh insights into how collaboration works in practice and how it might be improved.