i4D's Research, MEAL and Policy Innovation pillar is the technical backbone of the Institute — a multidisciplinary Centre of Excellence that generates the evidence underpinning every other strategic pillar, strengthens monitoring and evaluation practice, and translates research findings into policy and programme improvements.
Our Mission
To strengthen evidence-based development by producing quality research, supporting policy innovation, improving programme effectiveness and building institutional capacity.
Key Areas of Support
- Operational research
- Health research
- Agricultural research and innovation
- Policy analysis and development
- Knowledge translation
- Implementation science
- Monitoring and evaluation (M&E)
- Data analytics and data science
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Digital innovation and technology solutions
- Economic evaluation and health economics
- Artificial intelligence for development
- Capacity building and professional development
- Technical assistance services
Centre of Excellence Strategic Areas
Across all of the above, the Centre focuses on generating evidence; strengthening research and innovation ecosystems; providing technical expertise to government and partners; enabling data-driven planning and policy; building digital and AI-enabled solutions; developing sustainable technical capacity; and translating research into policy and practice.
Our MEAL Approach
i4D's Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework tracks every programme through a common results chain — inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes and impact — supported by quarterly programme reviews, an annual report shared with partners and the public, and independent evaluations at the mid-point and end of each strategy cycle.
“Sustainable development is achieved when evidence informs policy, institutions are strengthened, innovation is embraced and communities become active partners in shaping their own future.”
Strategic Partners
Government ministries, universities and research institutions, research councils, and development partners.
Key Terms & Acronyms
Common terms used across i4D's programme pages, explained for visitors less familiar with development-sector terminology.
- AMR — Antimicrobial Resistance
- One Health — an integrated approach linking human, animal and environmental health
- MEAL — Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning
- TEVET — Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training
- UHC — Universal Health Coverage
- GBV — Gender-Based Violence
- PMO — Programme Management Office
- GIS — Geographic Information Systems, used for spatial mapping and planning
- M&E — Monitoring and Evaluation
- RMNCH — Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health
- SDGs — the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- Theory of Change — the results chain linking inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes and long-term impact