What we do

Building actionable, evidence-informed solutions to global challenges

We fund research and innovation to drive global change. Why? Because we believe that research is essential to generating evidence-based innovations and solutions to pressing social, environmental and economic challenges; that knowledge is the key to a future where every community is self-sufficient, healthy and prosperous; and that by investing in research and innovation, we can unlock solutions to build shared prosperity, support international stability and protect human rights.

Where we work

We are a key and strategic part of the Canadian foreign policy family, and our regional presence – led by our five regional offices  – represents Canada’s unique approach to positively impact development, enabling knowledge systems and leaders in low- and middle-income countries to contribute local solutions to global problems.

Regions where we work

Projects we support

Explore our rich portfolio of 2,000+ research projects from the past decade to see how we’re helping to improve lives.

Research projects

Active projects
Completed projects

How we work

We invest strategically to:

  • Support actionable research that addresses local, national, regional and global challenges.
  • Mobilize alliances to help grow the resources available for research, extend its uptake and use by a broader set of strategic audiences, deepen the influence of research and improve research practices.  
  • Strengthen research ecosystems to be effective and sustainable, driven by principles of equity, safety, openness, capacity and connectedness.

How we support research and researchers

 

We invest in locally driven research in the Global South that transforms lives and livelihoods in emerging economies, spurs innovation for healthy industry and trade and builds trust and goodwill between Canada and the rest of the world.

Program areas

We work on and fund projects in five interconnected areas of research that we believe will have the greatest impact on reducing the effects of climate change and addressing inequality, while helping to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals.