Conference report. Producing evidence for development in Brexit Britain. 27th -28th March 2017, UCL-Institute of education, London

Abstract

This conference report is about a two-day conference held in March 2017 at UCL-Institute of Education, marking the final event in the Rethinking Research Partnerships seminar series. Around a hundred academics, NGO practitioners, funders, and policymakers gathered to consider how research partnerships between universities and international NGOs might produce better evidence for development, set against the uncertainty of Brexit Britain. The first day shared findings from seven case studies on establishing partnerships, designing research, communicating findings, and sustaining relationships beyond funded projects. The second day turned to policy, with workshops on funding innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and the shifting place of evidence in a post-truth climate. Perspectives from Nigeria, Qatar, Tanzania, South Africa, and India broadened the UK-focused discussion. The report closes with sector manifestos from NGOs, academics, and funders, outlining commitments toward more equitable and trusting research collaborations.