Hilary Homans Developing linkages between the Rowett Institute and CSID 10 th May 2010

Overview 1.Background to Centre for Sustainable International Development (CSID) 2.How CSID can: – Promote trans-disciplinary work – Support community responsive approaches – Build capacity – Strengthen partnerships and networks – Leverage funds

Why the Centre was established The University of Aberdeen is committed to internationalisation & the twin principles of sustainability and social responsibility (Strategic Plan 2009 to 2010) needs to demonstrate societal impact at an individual, institutional, national and global level through the Research Excellence Framework (REF) has recognised the need: – to coordinate work on sustainable international development across the University – for an inter-disciplinary and multi-sectoral approach - future long term reseach needs to work across disciplines & sectors to maximise impact

Vision The Centre’s vision is to make a significant contribution to the sustainable achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other international development targets.

Research priorities - international UK Department for International Development Calls for a holistic and multi- disciplinary approach to the development of greater quality of life for humans with a specific focus on alleviating poverty and improving living conditions in developing countries Uganda, Robin Waugh

Research priorities - national Research Councils UK priorities ageing and life long health and well-being digital economy energy global uncertainties and security for all in a changing world living with environmental change nanotechnology Connected communities

Guiding principles (1) 1.Commitment to equity and social inclusion and the promotion of equality of access to sustainable development for all citizens (including persons with temporary residence) with special attention to socially excluded persons (including national minorities, persons with disabilities, migrants, displaced persons and refugees). 2.Enhancement of human dignity and protection of the human rights of all persons. Street children, Bishkek, Homans

Guiding principles (2) 3. Interdisciplinary evidence-informed, needs based and results-oriented research, monitoring and evaluation contributing to policy and sustainable development. 4. Multi-sectoral age, gender and diversity-sensitive innovative approaches, involving partners at all levels within public, private and non-profit sectors. 5. Consistent with the UK DFID international development stratey, the RCUK research priorities and other relevant strategies and internationally adopted commitments.

Role of the Centre for Sustainable International Development Promote trans-disciplinary work Support community responsive approaches Build capacity Strengthen partnerships & networks Leverage funding Robin Waugh, Uganda

Interdisciplinarity Global change issues do not fit neatly into disciplinary boxes. They are multidisciplinary in their very essence. A trans-disciplinary approach goes further by involving a range of stakeholders in the research, including non-academics, who play a role in setting research agendas and questions. The Influence of Philosophical Perspectives in Integrative Research: a Conservation Case Study in the Cairngorms National Park Anna C. Evely, Ioan Fazey, Michelle Pinard and Xavier LambinAnna C. EvelyIoan FazeyMichelle PinardXavier Lambin

Interdisciplinarity Thematic cross college workshops – next one 3 rd June on Poverty in Africa: Admos Chimhowu (Manchester) Cafe Internationale 3 rd June 6 th Century course – 24 academics across the university Robin Waugh, Uganda

Interdisciplinary teaching

Community responsive Science and innovation for development e.g. ESPA, getting research into policy & practice (GRIPP) People identifying their needs and researchers responding in terms of science, innovation, policy © Giacomo Pirozzi (Panos Pictures)

Partnerships Data base – who is doing what where and with whom Potential partners – analysis of UK institutions Network of external partners Identify partners in areas e.g. Poverty alleviation Mark Reed

DevInfo data base

Capacity and skills building Identify needs and build teams Build capacity of researchers e.g. Gender and development, poverty alleviation Scholarships, exchange students Kyrgyz girl computing class, Homans

Draft strategy developed Presentations to cross college seminar (55), college (CASS 45) and school seminars (25 Biological Sciences) + Rowett Presentation to Vice Chancellors at Association of Commonwealth Universities conference 30 Associates 3 Funding proposals/EOI submitted Support to development of ESPA bids Partnership with International Centre for Migration Health and Development, discussions with World Chronic Poverty Centre Partnerships with ACES, centre for Energy and Law, Gender Studies Centre, Global Uncertainties Scottish HEIs (25 persons) for book launch CSID Launch preparations Progress so far

Application of research into nutrition and possible future collaboration

Application (2) 5 days meeting Nairobi focused on crop production and the impact of pests and diseases. Main message: farmers are not getting timely or quality information about the problems their crops face (i.e.. the extension services do not work) A novel IT-extension service that combined web resources for extension workers and mobile phone based outreach would do absolute wonders.

Gates Funding Priorities Close key gaps in the understanding of poor nutrition and how to treat it. Accelerate the development and production of fortified foods and provide access to them. Promote breastfeeding and provide access to complementary foods. Reduce low birth weight. Develop crops with higher levels of nutrients. Advocate for comprehensive global and country- led nutrition solutions.

Gates Foundation and BBSRC BBSRC are planning a new call on international development in crop plants with joint funding from DFID and Gates Foundation. There will almost certainly be a big call in a few months and can include partners from USA. Human Frontiers Science Programme offers fellowships for young non-biologist scientists to do biology projects in order to facilitate interdisciplinarity. Fellows may go to or from any participating country which includes most of the developed world.

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – Global Food Security Closing Date for Applications: Aug 11, 2010 Grant Category of Funding Activity: – Agriculture – Education – Food and Nutrition – Health – Regional Development – Science and Technology and other Research and Development Estimated Total Program Funding: $19,000,000 Award ceiling: $10,000,000