FCDO has published its first Areas of Research Interest (ARI), setting out the key questions where new evidence can make the biggest difference to international development and diplomacy. This document joins a series of published documents which detail some of the main research questions facing the UK government.

The ARI offers a clear, practical guide to each department’s priority evidence needs — and an open invitation to researchers across academia, industry and the wider research community to engage.

At its core, the ARI is about connection: linking cutting-edge research with real-world policy challenges and building collaborations between researchers and the FCDO. While it does not provide a direct route to funding, it helps researchers understand where their expertise aligns with government priorities, and how their work can contribute to policy and operational impact.

The document reflects FCDO’s commitment to being an evidence-based department, using research and analysis to inform decisions across a complex global landscape – from responding to crises to shaping long-term development outcomes.

Spanning 13 thematic areas, the ARI captures the breadth of FCDO’s work, setting out a range of questions within each theme. These include climate and nature, growth and investment, migration, conflict and humanitarian response, and national and international security. It also covers priorities such as inclusion and gender equality, education, food systems and global health, alongside cross-cutting themes on technology, governance and innovation systems.

The ARI is not intended to be exhaustive or prescriptive. Rather, it is a starting point for dialogue – highlighting where FCDO is particularly interested in building its evidence base, while remaining open to new ideas and approaches.

Researchers are encouraged to consider how their work links to wider foreign policy and development goals, engages partners (particularly in the Global South) and contributes to progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

For those looking to ensure their research has real-world relevance and impact, the ARI provides a valuable point of reference and a clear opportunity to connect with FCDO’s priorities.

To find out about broader UK Government research priorities, visit the ARI database.