DFID funds research in order to contribute to its overarching goal of poverty reduction. We fund some research which aims to produce new products or technologies that directly improve the lives of poor people. Other research produces knowledge and will only have an impact if it is understood and used to inform decisions. Research uptake includes all the activities that facilitate and contribute to the use of research evidence by policy-makers, practitioners and other development actors. Research uptake activities aim to:
- support the supply of research by ensuring research questions are relevant through engagement with potential users; communicating research effectively (not just disseminating findings through a peer-reviewed journal article!); and synthesising and repackaging research for different audiences. Activities in this area typically start with a focus on a particular research project or body of research and consider how it can be communicated
- support the usage of research by building capacity and commitment of research users to access, evaluate, synthesise and use research evidence. Activities in this area typically start with a focus on a particular decision or decision-making process and consider how it can be informed by a range of research evidence
This guidance aims to support DFID-funded research programmes as they develop and implement their research uptake strategy. Research programmes which are part-funded by DFID should consult with their DFID programme manager to determine which part(s) apply to them.
Key messages:
- research uptake requires adequate supply of and demand for research
- DFID-funded research programmes are expected to plan and implement a research uptake strategy’
- research uptake strategies should encompass stakeholder engagement, capacity building, communication and monitoring and evaluation.