Recent Accomplishments
Using the ISDC ToR, ISDC has focused on several initiatives that were observed as needs for CGIAR. Major accomplishments included the following:
ISDC’s Megatrends literature review and deliberations yielded a discussion paper outlining nine implications crucial for the evolution of CGIAR’s portfolio
A comparative advantage analysis technical note that has transformed the way CGIAR assesses and communicates its comparative advantage
ISDC’s Perspective piece in npj Sustainable Agriculture (2023) explored interlinked concepts that ISDC has used in advising CGIAR
Comprehensive ISDC portfolio evolution advice through moderated review of Initiative proposals (14 reviews in 2022), 2025-2030 portfolio proposals (13 reviews in 2024) and multiple reviews of Portfolio Narrative drafts.
This short video focuses on the 2024 external review process for CGIAR pooled funding. ISDC’s review is not of competitive grant proposals. The proposal external review is an essential part of good governance and quality assurance; it delivers benefits for the researchers, leadership, and System Council.
The main benefit is an assurance that the best possible science is conducted to deliver the intended development outcomes. This provides confidence to funders that their investments in CGIAR research are appropriately targeted with high chances for success.
Another major workstream for ISDC since 2021 focused on inclusive innovation and what that means to CGIAR. The work started with a brief that led to a literature review, which inspired a Science Forum series on inclusive innovation and a special issue in Agricultural Systems concluding in 2024.
Publication of a special issue in Agricultural Systems encapsulating ISDC’s years-long work on the topic of inclusive innovation, with 17 open-access papers and an editorial
Science Forums
Science Forums convened by ISDC for communicating and deliberating independent science advice with internal and external groups. All the recordings of the Science Forums are available here:
Science Forum 2024: Agricultural Systems Special Issue Launch
Science Forum 2023: Innovation for Impact: Growing Gender Equality, Youth, and Social Inclusion
Science Forum 2022: Building Inclusive Innovation in International Development
Watch this video of ISDC Secretariat Lead Amy R. Beaudreault at the ISDC Science Forum 2024: Opportunities and Challenges with Inclusivity in Scientific Publishing.
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