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Summary:

This implementation timetable gives external stakeholders information about the likely content and timing of future research competitions and calls for proposals. It covers the research that DFID manages directly and also shows where new funding to joint and multilateral research programmes - for instance, to the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research or one of the UK research councils - is likely to result in research funding opportunities that research suppliers can pursue directly.

In addition, the timetable shows when DFID is likely to develop (i.e. scope) detailed research specifications. This activity has been included because it may generate requirements for external consultancy support, which DFID would advertise (the main determinant being the amount of funding involved). Note that research which is scoped in a particular area will not necessarily result in a discrete research programme on this topic: DFID may choose instead to bring together research questions on related topics and address the links and inter-dependences among them.

The implementation timetable addresses new research initiatives developed in line with the strategy; so does not capture details of DFID's on-going research programmes, where contracts or memoranda of understanding are already in place. Details of these on-going programmes are available on the DFID website and on DFID's research portal Research4Development.

During the course of 2008/9 DFID will also develop its research management arrangements in line with the new strategy, in particular by devising processes for research synthesis, by enhancing research delivery mechanisms and embedding a new framework for monitoring and evaluation.

This timetable covers the current financial year and the next (i.e. April 2008 to March 2009 and April 2009 to March 2010). For 2008/9, it indicates the quarter (i.e. three month period) in which activities are scheduled to take place. The timetable will be updated periodically, usually every quarter. It is not a detailed work plan and entries may be subject to change.

The timetable is structured around the 6 research themes:

• Growth
• Sustainable agriculture
• Climate change
• Health
• Governance in challenging environments
• Future challenges and opportunities