Global Development Research Funding webinar

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The webinar offers valuable, practical information for researchers seeking funding in global development. The speakers provide specific, actionable advice on engaging with philanthropic funders, including how to approach them, what they look for, and how to build relationships. The argumentation is based on direct experience and institutional knowledge, making it credible and useful. However, the presentation is largely descriptive and lacks critical analysis of the broader political and economic factors affecting funding. The speakers do not delve into potential biases or limitations of philanthropic funding, nor do they compare the effectiveness of different funding sources. The value lies in its insider perspective and concrete examples, but it is not a comprehensive or critical review of the funding landscape.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The webinar demonstrates a good level of scientific rigor in that it provides specific, up-to-date information about funding sources and processes. The speakers are knowledgeable and cite specific funders and programs. However, the sources are primarily institutional and anecdotal, with no external citations or data to support claims. The title accurately reflects the content, which is a webinar on funding for global development research. The presentation is well-structured and clear, but it does not engage with academic literature or provide evidence for the effectiveness of the strategies discussed. The focus is on practical guidance rather than scholarly analysis.

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on funding sources for global development research.

7/10

The webinar provides practical, experience-based guidance from university staff specialized in research funding. The information is current and specific to the UK context, with named funders and processes. However, it is not peer-reviewed and represents institutional perspectives rather than independent analysis.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 00:00Introduction by John Ener, Director of IGDC, outlining the webinar's purpose and housekeeping.
• 05:00Helen Bradley begins her presentation on OPPA and philanthropic funding.
• 10:00Overview of OPPA team structure and fundraising priorities.
• 15:00Discussion of how OPPA supports researchers, including relationship management and application assistance.
• 20:00Examples of philanthropic funders: Gates Foundation, Waterloo Foundation, Oak Foundation.
• 25:00Transition to Research Development Team presentation on current funding landscape.
• 30:00Overview of UKRI, British Council, Wellcome Trust, Leverhulme, and British Academy funding.
• 35:00Discussion of challenges and opportunities in global development research funding.
• 40:00Q&A session begins, with questions from attendees.
• 45:00Concluding remarks and closing of webinar.

• Gates Foundation — Mentioned as a major philanthropic funder with grand challenges programs.
• Waterloo Foundation — Highlighted for its world development program with themes in health, nutrition, education, and WASH.
• Oak Foundation — Described as a more opaque funder with various programs and options for letters of inquiry.
• UKRI — Mentioned as a key research council funding source.
• British Council — Referenced as a source of funding for global development research.
• Wellcome Trust — Listed among major funders for global health research.
• Leverhulme Trust — Mentioned as a charitable funder supporting research.
• British Academy — Referenced as a funder for humanities and social sciences research.

• UKRI — The webinar's mention of UKRI as a key funder aligns with its official role.
• Wellcome Trust — The webinar's reference to Wellcome as a major funder is consistent with its public profile.