Calling all researchers: The developing world needs you

Gone are the days when a master’s degree in international development was considered the key qualification to carving out a career in development. Today, those studying the sciences, medicine or education are finding their research has a direct effect on those living in the developing world. This is thanks to the growing trend for research institutions to emerge from their “silos” and sponsor research in overlapping subjects, including tropical medicine and education — an approach which is particularly relevant in the developing world. This was also the impetus for for establishing the London International Development Center in 2008, bringing together social and natural scientists from Birkbeck Institute of Education, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the Royal Veterinary College and the School for Oriental and African Studies. “It reflects the emphasis on sustainability,” LIDC Director Jeff Waage, also a professor at the University of London, told Devex of the trend. “We find growing development opportunities in linking, for instance, health and education, or human, animal and environmental health, in developing countries.” Jonathan Elliott, vice principal at RVC and a professor of veterinary clinical pharmacology, added that “while the funding is essentially for academics, we hope that the researchers will work in partnership with local people.” Leading #globaldev donors now sponsoring overlapping research Elliott pointed to leading donors in international development, such as the U.K.’s Department for International Development, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, or the Leverhulme Trust, as examples of institutions encouraging this approach. In the U.K., DfID has been a leader, for example, calling for proposals that link agriculture and health, or veterinary science and medicine. This focus has also spurred U.K. research councils to work together. Currently, the Medical Research Council has a joint call for proposals with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Economic and Social Research Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council on antimicrobial resistance, which is especially relevant in a developing world context. Seed money vital for drawing up long-term funding proposals A key element for many young researchers is help in putting together interdisciplinary research proposals, so the LIDC has created Interdisciplinary Seed Fund Awards. These grants of 6,000 pounds ($9,100) support overlapping research between five institutions, giving researchers funds to work up larger grant applications. On May 11, LIDC announced the three 2015 winners, whose entries covered research topics such as transmitting antimicrobial resistant bacteria between animals and humans, or investigating the impact of changing food systems on nutrition and health. Barbara Haesler from the RVC and the Leverhulme Center for Integrative Research on Agriculture and Health — one of this year’s winners for her investigations into the impact of food systems on nutrition and health — explained how the seed money will be used to bring researchers together from two sites to work up a full proposal, looking for eventual funding to conduct a large study to monitor food systems change. Ana Mateus — in collaboration with LSHTM’s James Rudge — will use the grant to support diagnostic testing and travel costs to develop surveillance of zoonotic diseases. Mateus also received a second award on behalf of LSHTM’s Mishal Khan, with the team using the grant for the purposes of travel to collect preliminary data for a larger proposal. Funding for international interdisciplinary research Asked about today’s best funding opportunities for researchers wanting to make the leap into the global development arena, Elliott said the Gates Foundation had the broadest spread of funding, but urged candidates to match proposals with the donor’s goals. DfID, the Wellcome Trust and the Leverhulme Trust were also key sources of funding, he noted. He felt that the European Commission’s strictures on joint funding for research narrowed the scope for interdisciplinary applicants, but suggested looking for industrial companies with a philanthropic mission that support research in developing companies. Key elements for interdisciplinary research proposals Applicants can put together a successful interdisciplinary research proposal by building links with other institutions before the calls come up. “My advice to people who want to embark on interdisciplinary research is to start work early,” Waage said. “Otherwise, if you base a proposal on a rushed attempt to find suitable partners, and put together an ad hoc proposal, it shows.” Use seed money, like that provided by LIDC, to build relationships, he suggested, so when the time comes you will have overcome the hurdles of language and communication and found common interests. Potential applicants should “talk to funders, so you are aware of what is coming up,” suggested Dr. Martha Betson, winner of a LIDC seed money award in 2013. While Dr. Helen Walls, another 2013 recipient, added that researchers “should look at past proposals and learn from them.” Whether you’re a seasoned expert or budding development professional — check out more news, analysis and advice online to guide your career and professional development, and subscribe to Doing Good to receive top international development career and recruitment news every week.