Research at FCDO
Information on research, science, analytical expertise, data and evidence at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Research and Analysis Directorate (RAD)
Research and Analysis Directorate (RAD) combines high‑impact research and development funding with world‑class analysis, expertise and advice. The directorate generates global public goods and scalable solutions through strategic partnerships, linking science and innovation to policy, investment and delivery.
It uses analytical capability to champion and embed robust evidence, insight, data and expertise across FCDO to inform decisions, strengthen systems and drive development, security and foreign policy outcomes and UK impact worldwide.
RAD is jointly led by Professor Sir John Edmunds, FCDO Chief Scientific Adviser and Professor Dennis Novy, FCDO Chief Economist.
Global Research and Technology Development (GRTD)
Launched in May 2026, Global Research and Technology Development (GRTD) brings together FCDO’s international research and development (R&D) portfolio into a single, public-facing offer. It sets out how the UK will fund and use research and innovation as part of its modern development approach.
- GRTD approach paper explains how FCDO works with partners to create evidence, new ideas and shared scalable resources to solve global challenges and improve development outcomes
- GRTD website is a public gateway to funding opportunities, research outputs, tools, evidence, partner stories and impacts from across the portfolio
FCDO Areas of Research Interest (ARI)
Published in May 2026, FCDO Areas of Research Interest states the department’s main evidence needs and research questions to support international development and diplomacy objectives.
Research Analysts
Research Analysts are geographical and thematic experts who provide timely, high-quality, evidence-based research and analysis to FCDO ministers and senior officials.
Organised into 10 Research Groups, Research Analysts are an integral part of the policy-making process as their work informs the department and contributes to the College (formerly International Academy) training.
FCDO Research Advisory Group
The Research Advisory Group (RAG) provides strategic guidance, rapid insights, and independent challenge to support UK government aims to eradicate global poverty and research and development objectives.
Open research
The FCDO promotes equity, collaboration and openness in the dissemination of its funded research through the following policies and online platforms:
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FCDO open access policy (updated 2025): applies to all FCDO R&D grants, agreements, and contracts where research outputs are intended to be published in the public domain
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FCDO-funded research outputs from projects and programmes are available on Research for Development Outputs
Evaluation
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FCDO evaluation policy (updated January 2025): sets out evaluation principles and the minimum standards for high-quality, objective and transparent evaluation in the FCDO
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FCDO evaluation strategy 2026 to 2030: provides a framework to evolve the evaluation function to meet the needs of the future FCDO