IATI supports Latin American Council of Social Science to track research funding flows

Scientific research shapes how we understand and respond to global challenges, from climate action and health innovation, to reducing social inequalities. But when funding flows are largely invisible, it can be difficult to understand if resources are reaching the people and institutions best placed to lead that work – particularly in the Global South – as well as the topics deserving most attention.

“This project is an opportunity to generate evidence that can support more balanced and inclusive research collaborations. We are pleased to be working with IATI to make that possible.” – Judith Naidorf, Co-ordinator at CLASCO

Improving transparency of research funding flows is essential for building more inclusive and effective research partnerships. That’s why IATI is proud to be working with CLASCO, the Latin American Council of Social Science, the UNESCO Chair of the Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) at Leiden University and the consultancy SIRIS Academic on a new initiative to map global research funding flows, supported by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

The project, Monitoring Research Funding Flows in the Global South for a More Transparent and Inclusive Science, aims to improve transparency in how research funding is distributed globally, with a focus on addressing North-South inequalities in global science. By analysing funding flows, the project will identify gaps and opportunities for fairer, more inclusive funding, highlighting patterns that may limit the participation of Global South institutions in research.

Through this work, the project aims to:

• Make global research funding flows more visible, by providing a clearer picture of where resources are going and where gaps remain, particularly in the Global South
  
• Provide funders, policymakers and research institutions with evidence to support more informed and effective funding strategies
  
• Support research institutions and grant making councils in the Global South to engage more effectively in global research partnerships, dialogue and priority-setting.

As a global data initiative focused on transparency in aid and development finance, IATI has joined the project’s Advisory Council, contributing our expertise in making complex funding data accessible and usable, helping to ensure that research funding information can be used to guide more coordinated and inclusive action.

Yemesrach Workie, Executive Director of IATI, said, “We are pleased that IATI is recognised as a valuable resource for mapping global research funding. This initiative is an important step towards gaining a clearer picture of where resources are going and we look forward to working with CLASCO in their effort to promote inclusive research collaborations.”

Judith Naidorf, Co-ordinator at CLASCO, said “Understanding where research flows, and where it doesn’t, is essential to strengthening the role of research institutions in the Global South. This project is an opportunity to generate evidence that can support more balanced and inclusive research collaborations. We are pleased to be working with IATI to make that possible.”