Researchers who specialize in development issues need to create a new mindset to confront a fresh set of challenges that include ever tighter purse strings and growing demands for tangible results, said Ann Tutwiler, director general of Bioversity International, a global think tank based in Rome.
“For a long time researchers have been able to just publish a paper and that was that,” she said. “That was their job. Now it’s also their job to think about who is going to use that information. Why am I doing this research? What problem am I trying to solve? What about communications? It’s a mindset change.”
While they’re busy adjusting their mindsets, researchers are finding that traditional sources of money are drying up, especially in the agricultural realm, Bioversity International’s forte. That’s forcing them to seek new partners, notably in the private sector and with environmental groups.
About the author
Bill Hinchbergerhinchberger
Bill Hinchberger is a global communications professional and educator. He studied at Berkeley and has taught at the Sorbonne. Based mostly in Paris, he spends quality time in Brazil and the United States, and works extensively in Africa and Latin America. He has served as an international correspondent for The Financial Times, Business Week, ARTnews, Variety, and others. One current focus of his work is content creation for foundations, NGOs and other organizations, especially those working on issues related to international affairs, the environment and development. He also runs training programs for professional journalists, notably in Africa, and is an associate of Rain Barrel Communications, a leading consultancy for social justice projects.
