How do you describe a complex organization that sponsors hundreds of diverse projects throughout the developing world?

Here’s our attempt at a 60-second IDRC summary. The clock is ticking…

IDRC stands for International Development Research Centre. “Research” is the key word — what sets us apart from other organizations is our focus on research projects that can have a big impact in developing countries. We’re a Crown corporation funded by the Government of Canada.

Since 1970, IDRC has funded and supported researchers from developing countries who are looking for innovative, sustainable ways to solve the problems that are most critical to their communities. We don’t just help researchers find answers though, we also help them share and apply those answers by building networks of scientists, academics, policy- and decision-makers, community groups, and development organizations.

How does IDRC research improve lives?

IDRC supports hundreds of projects within four program areas: Environment and Natural Resource Management; Information and Communication Technologies for Development; Innovation, Policy and Science; and Social and Economic Policy. Here are just a few quick examples:

In Rosario, Argentina, an IDRC project has established community gardens that feed more than 40 000 people.

In South Africa, an IDRC project equips health workers with handheld computers to help ensure effective antiretroviral treatment for HIV-infected patients.

In Bolivia, IDRC-supported researchers have helped their country end deadly social conflict over water rights by developing national water legislation through a collaborative process that has successfully addressed the needs of all Bolivians.

The Tanzania Essential Health Interventions Project (TEHIP) has helped reduce child mortality by more than 40% by providing two large districts with tools, strategies, and modest funding increases.

IDRC projects like these are helping developing countries acquire the knowledge, skills, and technologies they need to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies.

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