2014 RiDNet conference: Does Research Make a Difference in Development? Bridging the gaps between research, policy and practice

Third Researchers in Development Network (RiDNet) Conference

Increasingly, researchers, policy makers and practitioners are acknowledging the need to work together to successfully solve the world’s development problems. However, bridging the gaps (in thinking, approach, access etc.) between these three sectors has raised many problems of their own. This conference aims to provide a platform in which these issues can be discussed openly, honestly and constructively.

The University of Leeds Researchers in Development Network (RiDNet) invites postgraduate and early-career researchers to present their explorations into this timely and relevant discussion, whether through a short oral presentation or a poster.

Themed panels will be decided once abstracts have been accepted to ensure the themes represent the relevant areas of interest among the submissions.

Please see below for a provisional schedule, themes, and key note speakers.

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 30th SEPTEMBER (extended)
Please email your abstracts (250-300 words) to ridnet@leeds.ac.uk

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 26th OCTOBER (only 60 spaces)
Attendance at the conference is free and includes a tasty lunch and refreshments. We are unfortunately unable to contribute to any travel expenses. To register press here.

Provisional program

09:00-09:30 Registration

09:30-10:15 Introduction and Welcome by Dr Susannah Sallu (Leeds) and Research-based Key Note Speaker Professor Jouni Paavola (Leeds)

10:15-11:30 FIRST PRESENTATION SESSIONS (themes to be confirmed*)

11:30-12:00 Coffee break and Poster Session

12:00-13:00 Nexus-based Key Note Speaker Sarah Mistry, Director of Effectiveness and Learning, BOND (the UK network of international NGOS)

13:00-14:00 Lunch

14:00-15:00 Policy-based Key Note Speaker (tbc)

15:00-16:30 SECOND PRESENTATION SESSIONS (themes to be confirmed*)

16:30-17:30 Practice-based Key Note Speaker from Restless Development (the youth led development agency)

17:30 + Drinks and finish

*To ensure the themes best reflect the key debates, these will confirmed once all abstracts have been selected. They will include a mix of theory, empirical evidence, and practical experiences from a broad range of countries and across many disciplines (i.e. mental health to farming, and UN to local level).

For more information please visit: https://cgd.leeds.ac.uk/ridnet/

Presentations from last year's conference were compiled in a research note available here. Similarly this year we hope to publish outputs from the conference.