About the Research Commissiong Centre

In 2023, FCDO launched the Research Commissioning Centre (RCC) to deliver more efficient and effective approaches to commissioning, collating and communicating research.

Led by the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie), the University of Birmingham, and a consortium of UK and global research partners, the RCC focuses on streamlining processes and fostering collaboration to enable impactful research. A central role of the RCC is to enable stronger coordination across FCDO research and investments, including identifying opportunities for cross-sectoral research. Inclusion and equitable partnership principles will be at the heart of the RCC to drive high-quality and impactful research.

Through the RCC we hope to:

Ensure agile, equitable commissioning by providing accelerated access to FCDO funding and reducing bureaucracy. The RCC is guided by a robust engagement strategy and is informed by the best research commissioning practices.
Commission and produce relevant, impactful research that is informed by UK government priorities, is responsive to global challenges and prioritises the use and impact of research by ensuring continuous stakeholder engagement.
Leverage global academic expertise to produce high-quality, transparent, reproducible and ethical research.
Adopt a more collaborative and consultative approach by working closely with research teams in FCDO, with the RCC consortium of partners and a range of other organisations.

RCC Resources

The RCC Consortium

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, The American University in Cairo, 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, Makerere University, 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.