From the archive: Development partnerships under pressure

Before international development funds were scrapped times were already tough for researchers in the area

When Research Professional News broke the story that the UK’s three major funds for international development research were to be scrapped, it was the latest blow to researchers in field that just three years ago seemed to be having its moment and achieving its potential. But then it was dealt several major blows, including Covid restrictions, complications caused by the enactment of Brexit, the dismantling of the Department for International Development and the UK’s suspension of its commitment to allocating 0.7 per cent of its GDP for foreign aid.

Yes, there are plans being formulated to replace the Global Challenges Research Fund, the Newton Fund and the Fund for International Collaboration with a new model for supporting international science collaboration. But the general trajectory will worry many working in development research. In which case it may be a good time to revisit child rights consultant Alia Masood’s article from last year in which she urges those working in development to do what they can to forge even tighter bonds with their partners in the global south.