Research at FCDO
Source: gov.uk (2025-12-08)

Information on research, science and technology at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Research and Evidence Directorate and Chief Scientific Adviser

Research and Evidence Directorate (RED) brings together departments to:
- deliver expert analysis and advice informing decision-making across the FCDO
- harness UK science strengths to deliver research and development (R&D) investments to enhance FCDO’s development and diplomatic impact
- deliver science and technology partnerships to maximise the UK’s impact internationally
RED ensures FCDO has access to external expertise and leverages UK domestic science and technology strengths, alongside a world-leading array of strategic partnerships, to support delivery of the UK’s international objectives for maximum impact.

We support FCDO’s networks of expert advisers working in countries across the world to deliver development and diplomacy impact.

UK influence is strengthened through global science and tech partnerships, facilitated by our global Science and Technology Network (https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/uk-science-and-innovation-network) (jointly sponsored with Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-science-innovation-and-technology) and Regional Research Hubs).

The directorate is led by the FCDO Chief Scientific Adviser.

Research Analysts

Research Analysts are geographical and thematic experts who provide timely, high-quality, evidence-based research and analysis to FCDO ministers and senior officials.

Organised into 10 Research Groups, Research Analysts are an integral part of the policy-making process as their work informs the department and contributes to International Academy training. Research Analysts are part of Analysis Directorate.

FCDO Research Advisory Group

The Research Advisory Group (RAG) (https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/fcdo-research-advisory-group-rag) provides strategic guidance, rapid insights, and independent challenge to support UK government aims to eradicate global poverty and research and development objectives.

Open research

The FCDO promotes equity, collaboration and openness in the dissemination of its funded research through the following policies and online platforms:

FCDO open access policy (updated 2025) (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-open-access-policy): applies to all FCDO R&D grants, agreements, and contracts where research outputs are intended to be published in the public domain

FCDO-funded research outputs from projects and programmes: Research for Development Outputs (https://www.gov.uk/research-for-development-outputs)

Mapping ODA research and innovation (MODARI) - UKCDR (https://ukcdr.org.uk/data-tool/mapping-oda-research-and-innovation-modari-2/): a project working to improve the availability and consistency of data on ODA-funded research and innovation across UK government funders and implementing partners

Global Research and Technology Development (GRTD) (https://www.grtd.fcdo.gov.uk/funding/): established in 2025 to enhance access to research, science, technology, and innovation opportunities and results funded by the FCDO

Further information

FCDO evaluation policy (updated January 2025) (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-evaluation-policy-2025): sets out evaluation principles and the minimum standards for high-quality, objective and transparent evaluation in the FCDO

FCDO evaluation strategy 2025 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-evaluation-strategy-2025): explains how the FCDO generates evaluation evidence, and how we promote evaluation

Funding opportunities

Funding calls, tender and procurements events are published on:

International development funding GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/international-development-funding)

FCDO Research, Science and Innovation LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/fcdo-research-science-and-innovation/?originalSubdomain=uk)

@FCDOResearch (https://twitter.com/FCDOResearch)

@FCDOProcurement (https://twitter.com/FCDOProcurement)

Social media
- FDCO Research, Science and Innovation LinkedIn (https://uk.linkedin.com/company/fcdo-research-science-and-innovation)
- @FCDO Research. Science and Innovation (https://twitter.com/fcdoresearch)
- RED social media thematic accounts (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office/about/social-media-use#foreign-commonwealth--development-office-social-media-accounts)