I am delighted that we are launching Global Research and Technology Development – a new brand for FCDO’s entire R&D portfolio. This will make our research and our funding opportunities more visible and accessible globally.

GRTD will build on a strong history of impactful R&D investments. With FCDO funding and engagement, our partners have produced breakthroughs that have influenced policies and positively impacted millions globally. We aim to keep the UK as a leader in research and innovation for development and diplomacy by partnering with scientists, researchers, innovators and others to address global challenges like climate change, conflict, humanitarian need, learning in schools, clean energy, sustainable growth, violence against women and girls, affordable vaccines and treatments, and improved crops. Fortunately, we are in a golden age of science and innovation, which of course now features Artificial Intelligence and other rapidly advancing technologies, further enhancing the potential of what we can achieve through well targeted investments and strong partnerships.

I am proud of our GRTD portfolio in several ways. Within FCDO, expert teams in the Research and Evidence Directorate initiate and design programmes aligned to priorities set by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Development. Working with multiple co-funders and commissioning partners, we are committed to funding excellence – driving quality and value for money through open, global competitions to which a wide range of research and institutions respond with often brilliant proposals. I am pleased that – to extend capability without detracting from existing partnerships – we have recently established the Research Commissioning Centre (RCC). Thank you to a large consortium, led by 3ie and the University of Birmingham, for taking on this challenge.

Across the portfolio’s numerous consortia and partnerships delivering R&D, we currently fund over 2,000 organisations to generate robust evidence on complex issues and to develop breakthrough technologies and innovations. A majority of these partners are located in low and middle income countries, often working in collaboration with institutions across the UK and other high income countries. We have a strong commitment to deepening equitable partnerships and extending localisation of the choice and conduct of research.

Most of all, I’m very proud of the scores of ways in which the Global Research and Technology Development portfolio improves the lives of hundreds of millions of people. I look forward to this GRTD platform featuring many examples of these impacts as it grows in the coming years.