UKCDR brings together government and research funders working in global development, governed by the Strategic Coherence for ODA-funded Research (SCOR) Board.

UKCDR exists to amplify the value and impact of research for global development by promoting coherence, collaboration and joint action among UK research funders.

Our core contributing members include the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS); the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO); the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC); UK Research and Innovation (UKRI); and Wellcome.

This annual report shows UKCDR’s work over the financial year 2020 to 2021 in our role supporting UK research funders of global development in achieving maximum impact through mapping, convening, sharing best practice and being a collective voice to shape policy.

2020-2021 was a year that presented many challenges to everyone, from the global COVID-19 pandemic to sector-wide budget cuts.  Despite the difficult circumstances, UKCDR demonstrated its extraordinary agility to adapt and react to a changing landscape.

We supported the UK and global funders to coordinate better a research response in the face of emerging crises, opened the dialogue on race and inequality in international development research and helped increase coherence in climate change research funding in the lead-up to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26). We also continued our work on research enablers, particularly in the areas of Research Capacity Strengthening, Safeguarding and Equitable Partnerships. Finally, we continued to communicate the very significant impact of UK research for continued investment, crucial in light of announcements of cuts to the UK aid budget.

These projects were delivered in the context of our ongoing support for collaboration and alignment of development research funders in the UK and demonstrate our commitment to helping UK-funded research deliver lasting impact in global development.

UKCDR’s work is achieved through successful collaboration and partnership with its core members and wider stakeholder group.