Evaluation of the Global Challenges Research Fund: Research Into Use synthesis report
Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) synthesis of evidence on GCRF’s Research Into Use (RIU) outcomes in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs).
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The Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) supports UK and international researchers and innovators in taking on key issues affecting developing countries through:
- challenge-led multidisciplinary research
- strengthening capability for research, innovation and knowledge exchange
- providing an agile response to emergencies
GCRF is part of the UK’s official development assistance (ODA).
This Synthesis Report explores how the GCRF supported the application of research and innovation (R&I) in policy and practice from five cluster case studies across India, Kenya, Vietnam, Lebanon and the Southern Indian Ocean region. It sets out the practical outcomes achieved by GCRF projects working in these regions and the factors associated with success. This evidence supports learning for future funds, promoting best practice to achieve effective impact pathways.
This report was produced in 2025. The Global Challenges Research Fund has now closed. Since then, the government has taken the difficult decision to temporarily reduce ODA to the equivalent of 0.3% of gross national income (GNI) by 2027 to fund an increase in defence spending. The government remains committed to international development and to returning ODA to 0.7% of GNI when fiscal conditions allow.
The International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) is the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT’s) flagship funding vehicle for international science, research, technology, and innovation (SRTI) partnerships.