Working with our members to inform future approaches and investments to strengthen research capacity in low- and middle-income countries.
UKCDR defines research capacity strengthening as
‘Enhancing the ability and resources of individuals, institutions and/or systems to undertake, communicate and/or use high quality research efficiently, effectively and sustainably.’
Research capacity strengthening – a process that ultimately enables countries to shape and sustain their own long-term research development and impact – is a key area of investment for the UK, particularly though the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) research spend across Government departments. As part of our work on ‘Enablers of Research’, we want to increase the visibility of these investments to help identify gaps and opportunities for better coordination.
We are experts in RCS mapping. Previous work has included:
We have also facilitated the Research Capacity Strengthening Group (RCSG) for over 10 years, which brings together over 20 UK funder and practitioner organisations (including FCDO, Wellcome Trust, UKRI, DHSC, INASP, Royal Society, ACU and others) and has a wealth of institutional knowledge and learning from the field.
We are currently leading a cross-funder review to understand where the UK Government and Wellcome are collectively investing in research capacity strengthening in LMICs and collate lessons learned to date. The review aims to inform future funder coordination, a longer-term vision for the sustainability and impact of UK RCS investments, and informed future practice particularly by those new to the field.
This briefing paper summarises UK-funded contributions to the research capacity strengthening landscape in low- and middle-income countries between 2016 and 2021, along with initial policy recommendations to UK funders.
This collection of case studies highlights UK funded research capacity strengthening (RCS) programmes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that have had significant impact and demonstrate the value of coherence between UK funders.
UKCDR analysed 17 fellowship and scholarship schemes funded by the UK between 2014 and 2019, contributing to research capacity strengthening (RCS) in Africa. This is the first study on UK national level investments into fellowships and scholarships in Africa. The report provides a baseline of UK funding to underpin future activities under the UK Government’s new and distinctive commitment to work alongside, invest in and partner with African nations.
Yaso Kunaratnam, UKCDR and Jeff Waage, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, reflect on how their latest mapping and analysis of UK funded fellowships and...
Explore our collection of tools, guides, reports and other resources on research capacity strengthening (RCS) for development, in our Research Capacity Strengthening Resources Hub.
The Research Capacity Strengthening Group (RCSG) is an informal group, formed in 2008, that brings together UK funders and practitioners to share, learn, connect and improve practice in research capacity strengthening. It aims to improve coordination of UK activities.
Highlighting RCS for development initiatives jointly funded through two or more members of our Research Capacity Strengthening Group.
For more information on our work on RCS, please contact Yaso Kunaratnam, Research & Policy Officer, RCS lead (y.kunaratnam@old-ukcdr.s14staging.uk)