National research funds, programmes and councils with an explicit focus on addressing global challenges enable scientists to establish relevant contacts for further science diplomacy activities. The funding enables to establish the necessary connections. As the programmes are often linked to expected impacts, they also encourage cooperation and communication with policymakers.
Examples:
The OECD Mission-Oriented Innovation policies online toolkit provides an overview of mission-oriented innovation policies structured by societal challenge (as well as by country and instrument type). Information about policies and programmes related to ageing populations, climate change, energy security, environmental sustainability, food security and health are mapped accordingly. Relevant programmes and case studies are available from several countries (and the European Union).
The Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) in the United Kingdom is a £1.5 billion fund announced by the UK Government in late 2015 to support cutting-edge research that addresses the challenges faced by developing countries. Alongside the other GCRF delivery partners, it is creating complementary programmes that: promote challenge-led disciplinary and interdisciplinary research, including the participation of researchers who may not previously have considered the applicability of their work to development issues strengthen capacity for research, innovation and knowledge exchange in the UK and developing countries through partnership with excellent UK research and researchers provide an agile response to emergencies where there is an urgent research need. GCRF forms part of the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitment, which is monitored by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Visit site: https://stip.oecd.org/stip/moip, https://www.ukri.org/research/global-challenges-research-fund/
Keywords: Global Challenges, Funding, Food systems, Sustainable health, Sustainable energy, Inclusive and equitable quality education, Clear air and water
