The Centre for Development Studies (CDS) is an inter-faculty research institute of the University of Groningen. It brings together twenty-four research groups and individual researchers from the ten faculties of the university. It was founded in 1996 and functions as a network organisation, supporting staff in the various faculties in initiating and executing teaching, research and networking activities related to development and global problems.
The CDS provides a platform for interdisciplinary discussions on global and development issues, and for organising public lectures, workshops, and conferences. It is also hosts a set of interdisciplinary courses on development issues, and it promotes development related courses within the various specific faculties. The CDS has a special role in facilitating the stay of PhD and postdoc researchers from non-western countries at the university and in expanding academic relations with the University of Groningen partner universities in Africa and Asia. Through publishing a newsletter, conference reports, research reports and dissertations, the CDS is also able to disseminate research results.