Through multidisciplinary research and policy engagement we bring new understanding and action on critical issues around health and health systems, and how they overlap with other systems such as food, as well as nutrition, sanitation, epidemics and zoonotic diseases. Enhancing understanding of how to ensure healthy lives for all is a vital part of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Agenda 2030) and has been an integral focus of IDS’ work since its inception.
Our research and analysis on innovations in health services and systems – including work on identifying effective strategies to address the challenges of antimicrobial resistance – is accelerating progress towards achieving universal health coverage in Asia and Africa. Our work on nutrition spans the spectrum from dietary transition and globalisation of food systems, through to responding to the ways that marginalisation and inequity drive high child malnutrition rates. We bring vital social knowledge to aid effective preparedness and response on pandemics. We show how direct impacts on the spread of diseases such as Ebola can be achieved by bringing learning from research on social issues and contexts to the right people in the right organisations at the right time. Together with our global partners, we are generating and sharing new knowledge and evidence to identify the underlying causes of poor health and social inequalities, and the progressive policies and practices that can help bring about transformative change.
How could we know if agricultural development interventions make contributions to sustainable development goals (SDGs)? Genetically engineered (GE) crops are celebrated as a class of technological interventions that can realize multiple SDGs. But recent studies have revealed the gap between GE...
Funding from development agencies for research projects is integral for trying to reduce global poverty, but often short-term funding produces short-term results which are hard to track in the terms of a positive impact. But what are the benefits of long-term funding of a long...
Funding from development agencies for research projects is integral for trying to reduce global poverty, but often short-term funding produces short-term results which are hard to track in the terms of a positive impact. But what are the benefits of long-term funding of a long...
As we approach the tenth anniversary of the World Health Organisation's declaration of the West African Ebola epidemic as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2014, it is crucial to reflect on the significant shifts in global health perspectives and practices that have...
Yemen has sometimes been held up as an impressive example of how existing social protection systems and capacities can be maintained and supported even during a prolonged war. While providing support to meet immediate life-saving needs is the humanitarian priority in Yemen, aid organisations...
Much of Yemen’s population needs basic assistance to avoid famine. As well as providing food and cash-based support during a decade of war, international aid actors have sustained and strengthened the capacities of local organisations involved. Yet these efforts have overlooked some capacities...
The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) celebrated its Summer 2024 graduation on Wednesday 24 July, recognising the achievements of 36 students who completed their Master's or PhD programmes. This significant milestone reflects their dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence. Sincere...
The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) is part of a new research initiative that will further understanding of a region spanning Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central, East & Pacific Asia, led by the University of Glasgow’s Central and East European Studies (CEES).
IDS is a...
In the context of the recent violence in Bangladesh, in which it is reported that at least 150 people have been killed and many more injured, IDS's Acting Director shares the following statement:
Professor Peter Taylor, Acting Director of the Institute of Development Studies, said:
“IDS has...
In an extraordinary time of challenge and change, we use more than 50 years of expertise to transform development approaches that create more equitable and sustainable futures. The work you do with us will help make progressive change towards universal development; to build and connect solidarities for collective action, locally and globally. The University of Sussex has been ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies for the past five years (QS World University Rankings by Subject).