The International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) is proud to announce the establishment of a new research commissioning centre to support the Research and Evidence Directorate (RED) of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Led by 3ie, the University of Birmingham and an unmatched consortium of UK and global research partners, this centre will help manage strategic investments in science, technology and evidence. Over the next few years, FCDO will invest up to £25 million in the centre to test, and pilot approaches to commission research more effectively and efficiently, reducing bureaucracy and improving access to research and granting opportunities.  

Our consortium relies on and benefits from the experience and expertise of several research institutions and organizations globally. Our partners bring a range of capacities from across FCDO’s thematic areas of research. These include the American University in Beirut, Birzeit University, BRAC Institute of Governance, BRAC Institute of Public Health, CAB International (CABI), Campbell Collaboration, Cochrane, Greenwich University, INASP, Institute of Development Studies, International Growth Centre at London School of Economics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, School of Oriental & African Studies, Royal Veterinary College, United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, University of East Anglia, and University of Manchester.

While the centre is still in its inception phase, we are working closely with FCDO to co-develop and co-deliver a new operating model and develop a pipeline of direct, rapid and open commissions for both ODA and non-ODA investments, including multi-year and interdisciplinary investments in FCDO priority areas.

If you are interested in receiving updates about the centre and upcoming funding opportunities, please sign up here.

Read the prior information notices about the upcoming calls for proposals here.