About

Research and learning for a more equitable world

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) delivers world-class research, learning and teaching that transforms the knowledge, action and leadership needed for more equitable and sustainable development globally.

We work with governments, philanthropic foundations, non-governmental organisations, academics and civil society to create approaches to progressive social, political and economic change in ways that ultimately make a difference to people’s lives.

Our reputation for research and international outlook is second to none. This is reflected in our performance in the QS World University Rankings, where we have been ranked first in the world for development studies for nine years in a row (together with the University of Sussex).  

Two men sit at a table with a red cloth with the IDS logo on it. They are facing an audience and behind them in a screen with a presentation on it.
Antonio Patriota, Brazil’s Ambassador to the UK in conversation with IDS Acting Director Peter Taylor. © University of Sussex

Our people

We are a diverse team of anthropologists, economists, political scientists, knowledge and communications experts, who bring a multi-disciplinary approach to tackling social challenges.

Meet our staff

A woman in a black top and trousers stands next to a pin board pointing to a flip chart with written text on it. Several people stand in a circle listening to her speak and looking at the flip chart.
Participants of an IDS short course on Participatory Action Research. © IDS

Our history

IDS was founded as an independent charity in 1966 as the UK’s first national institute of development studies. Our first Director was Dudley Seers, a renowned economist who helped steer developing thinking away from growth economics and towards social development.

Our achievements include pioneering work on participatory approaches to development and democracy, led by Robert Chambers; being a leader in the field of gender and development and establishing one of the first Masters programmes on gender and development; and decades of work to show how development that prioritises human rights and security should be emphasised over the conventional economy-first approach to development.