Close

The LASER PULSE site has officially relocated to http://laserpulse.org.  Please refer to the new site for all current and future information.  The prior site remains here for archival and historical purposes only. 

Close

Research for Development (R4D) Conferences: What are they and why are they important?

R4D LogoLASER PULSE wants to see researchers working on development problems. For example, we want to figure out how to provide jobs for young people in places around the world where youth unemployment is high. We want to make sure these young people don’t feel that they have to resort to violence because they have no meaningful role in society. We want human beings to be able to survive and even thrive as well as we can in the face of natural and man-made upheavals. There are so many problems out there, and these problems are not just problems of one country, or one culture, or one clan. They are global problems.

We need the people who make laws and policy (government) to feel they have the support to solve these problems. We need people who work for positive change (NGO workers) to help others understand how they can behave differently to create that change. And we need people who make discoveries (researchers) to find how we can fix all of these overwhelming, complicated and complex issues. Perhaps we could use the people who drive the creation of value to help us find a way to pay for our proposed solutions. All of this takes all of us in our different roles, coordinating and collaborating to solve these problems. Researchers working with practitioner groups to inform research with on-the-ground realities. Governments steadily relying on evidence to inform policy. Practitioners creating change based on new and innovative research.

Figure 1: Dr. Joe Sinfield, Associate Professor at Purdue Civil Engineering, and Director of College of Engineering Innovation and Leadership Studies Program
Joe Sinfield

That’s why LASER has what we call Research for Development (R4D) conferences or workshops. We organize these meetings to bring those people together around very specific development challenges where USAID has a working relationship with these countries’ national governments. We use a method called Comprehensive Success Factors to spot where there are gaps in what should be happening, and to get ideas from researchers and NGO teams about ways we might fill those gaps. This is through the Request for Applications we hold a few months following the conferences. Right after the R4D conference, we start putting together a Request for Applications, based on those USAID-identified sectors and on the feedback about the gaps that we got from our pre-conference meetings and in-conference sessions to talk about those gaps. 

LASER held an R4D Workshop in Bogota, Colombia during the first week of October. We went deep with our expectations of engagement from our university, government, private sector, and NGO partners. We visited universities several months before holding the workshop so we could meet with researchers and explain what we are after with these events – what topics USAID Colombia gave us to focus on, and what we mean by ‘embedded research translation’: that the application part of it is already planned and is built into the design of the research project. 

Group from R4D ColombiaAfter this, we held lunchtime roundtables with NGO representatives to learn about their experiences working with researchers. We wanted to know what value they felt they got from those kinds of collaborations, and if there are problems that are really barriers to their collaboration, how we could help to resolve these. We learned that NGOs didn’t really see much of a range of ways that ‘research’ could help them with development issues. They had the idea that researchers could help with evaluations, assessments, and survey tools – those kinds of things, but that was about it. Researchers themselves didn’t have a much broader idea of how they could help. We wanted to change those perceptions. We invited the NGO representatives to think about development challenges they have, which they can’t seem to solve. We asked them to present those at the conference, where researchers would be listening to them, and to begin a discussion about how researchers might be able to help. 

At this point, we had one of those ‘ah-ha’ moments, because we realized, while trying to get these groups to talk about collaboration on solutions to ‘intractable’ problems, that NGO representatives have a certain idea about what ‘research’ means - a study that leads to a published paper. And this is not at all what LASER means by ‘research.’ 


Kampala, Uganda R4DFor LASER-PULSE, research means ‘the expertise of the researcher applied to a development problem.’ Researcher is a very broad label. It is a person – generally a faculty member, who works for a university or research institute, who has expertise in an academic discipline, and special skills required by that discipline. Applied to development examples, it could be an anthropologist who can study and document ancient agricultural practices so that these practices can be preserved, and that the people from that culture can have the agricultural skills to preserve them. It could be an agricultural economist, who can make recommendations about value chain systems that can improve the opportunities for young people to process and add value to local agricultural products – maybe understand how to use new technology to organize the system into hubs and distribution points, or for transfer of payments. Or maybe the researcher/expert is an industrial engineer who can map workflows to allow local clinics to enable mothers to do kangaroo mother care with their preterm babies, and thus reduce their mortality rate. 

There is so much expertise and so many skills across all of the disciplines of a higher education institution. The thought that we aren’t applying this expertise in development as a matter of practice is a thought of wasted value. LASER PULSE wants to help governments, donors, researchers, and NGO representatives see the opportunities to collaborate, and then work together to solve the ever-tougher global challenges that come our way. 

  1. Colombia
  2. Comprehensive Success Factors
  3. LASER-PULSE
  4. R4D
  5. usaid

Comments on this entry

  1. Emilio John Atlas

     

    Thanks for sharing information about this great invention of Laser Pulse. I am working on some best cv writing service uk papers, and I can use this information in my papers to improve my work. This will allow people to find jobs too.

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to Emilio John Atlas

  2. abdias cylas icelogs

    I love the way you write and share your niche! Very interesting and different! Keep it coming! myco nuker does it work

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to abdias cylas icelogs

  3. abdias cylas icelogs

    Permit Studio is permit expediting services and permit management company in Chicago. We are offering the 36 different permit expediting services ​in Chicago. We can help you with an array of permit expediting and permit management tasks in Chicago. Adding us to your team will save you time and keep you from making some costly mistakes.

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to abdias cylas icelogs

  4. abdias cylas icelogs

    This type of message always inspiring and I prefer to read quality content, so happy to find good place to many here in the post, the writing is just great, thanks for the post. 안전한 토토사이트

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to abdias cylas icelogs

  5. Abdul moiz channel

    If so, do I have to use the Toto site while always worrying about eating and drinking while using the eat-and-run site? Nor is it.Safety Playground Eat-and-Kill always introduces a safe Toto site through eat-and-run verification.The safety of our members is our top priority through the eat-and-run verification, and we introduce a safe Toto site.  토토사이트

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to Abdul moiz channel

  6. Abdul moiz channel

    Audio started playing anytime I opened up this blog, so annoying!    INDIA VISA for cruise ship visitors

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to Abdul moiz channel

  7. Abdul moiz channel

    Sports Toto, the flower of Totosite, is largely divided into Toto and Proto. There are many games on the Toto site for members, but sports betting is still a big part of it.  토토사이트

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to Abdul moiz channel

  8. xelobay760 cooper

    Listen, your friends are starting to take an interest in yourself. free credit slots There are no conditions yet?? If interested, simply apply for a membership with us at the direct website Evoplay, free credit, just like this, you can receive free credits to enjoy online slots games สล็อต777ฟรีเครดิต100

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to xelobay760 cooper

  9. Abdul moiz channel

    Just a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw outstanding layout.  Canada Visa Questions

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to Abdul moiz channel

  10. Abdul moiz channel

    The Newspaper Division of the proceedings contains the following 21 papers: "Exploring the Turnover Issue: Why Newspaper Reporters.   Mauritius Newspapers

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to Abdul moiz channel

  11. tasoy jhon goonby

    Powder Brow Training  Contact us for further details about our body enhancement training programs and services. Fill the form and our representative will respond immediately.  https://www.bodylabsac.com

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to tasoy jhon goonby

  12. Abdul moiz channel

    The Atelier condo offers 1 to 4 bedroom unit types to meet the ... The Singapore Orchard shopping belt is merely a couple of minutes' drive away, …  The Atelier Price

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to Abdul moiz channel

    1. yousuf ali khan

      Well done! I thank you your contribution to this matter. It has been insightful. my blog: how to get rid of love handles Chase Cabre

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    2. yousuf ali khan

      Good day, I merely hopped over on your own website through StumbleUpon. Not something I’d usually read, however I appreciated how you feel none the less. Thanks for making something price reading. Renovating Your Home In Retirement

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    3. yousuf ali khan

      Wow I just adore her! She is beautiful and a really good actor. I don’t think the show V is all that good, however I watch it anyway just so I can see Morena. And I don’t know if you’ve ever seen her do an interview but she is also rather comical and it seems so natural for her. I personally never even heard of her before The V, now I’ll watch anything she’s on. Dogs Eating Grass In Norfolk

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    4. yousuf ali khan

      Awesome! I appreciate your blog post to this matter. It has been useful. my blog: how to make a girl fall in love What Is Pet Insurance

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    5. yousuf ali khan

      Well, the article is really the freshest on that notable topic. I agree with your conclusions and definitely will thirstily look forward to your approaching updates. Saying thanks can not just be adequate, for the enormous clarity in your writing. I can promptly grab your rss feed to stay privy of any updates. Pleasant work and much success in your business efforts! Heartwarming and Sweet

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    6. yousuf ali khan

      Intimately, the post is actually the sweetest on that worthw hile topic. I harmonise with your conclusions and will certainly eagerly look forward to your incoming updates. Saying thanks definitely will not simply be sufficient, for the extraordinary clarity in your writing. I will certainly perfect away grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. Solid work and much success in your business dealings! Buying Diamond Rings Online

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    7. yousuf ali khan

      Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thanks However I am experiencing trouble with ur rss . Do not know why Can not sign up for it. Could there be anyone getting identical rss issue? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx Prepare Your Home for a New Pet

      Cancel Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    8. yousuf ali khan

      you have got an awesome weblog right here! would you wish to make some invite posts on my weblog? Jamie Hector Facial Scar

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    9. yousuf ali khan

      Thank you for making the sincere attempt to explain this. I feel very sturdy about this and also find out more. If its OK, as you reach more in depth knowledge, would you mind including more posts similar to this one with more information? It might be extremely helpful and great for me and my colleagues. James Arness

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    10. yousuf ali khan

      You produced some decent points there. I looked online for the problem and located most individuals goes in conjunction with with the site. Top Casinos in San Juan

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    11. yousuf ali khan

      An intriguing discussion will probably be worth comment. I do believe that you can write regarding this topic, may possibly not often be a taboo subject but generally individuals are inadequate to communicate on such topics. Yet another. Cheers Install a Satellite TV in a Caravan

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    12. yousuf ali khan

      Substantially, the article is in reality the freshest on that noteworthy topic. I concur with your conclusions and definitely will eagerly look forward to your forthcoming updates. Saying thanks definitely will not simply just be sufficient, for the amazing lucidity in your writing. I definitely will ideal away grab your rss feed to stay abreast of any updates. Fabulous work and also much success in your business endeavors! Do and What Not to Do in Arizona

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    13. yousuf ali khan

      i am addicted to computer games that is why i bought a gamecube for me and my brother,. Is Iceland worth visiting

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    14. yousuf ali khan

      Substantially, the post is really the sweetest on that worthw hile topic. I fit in with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your next updates. Saying thanks will not just be enough, for the phenomenal clarity in your writing. I will certainly at once grab your rss feed to stay abreast of any kind of updates. Good work and also much success in your business efforts! When Can You Enroll Into Medicare

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    15. yousuf ali khan

      hybrid cars would be the best thing because they are less polluting to the environment;; Help To Ease Your Lower Back Pain

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    16. yousuf ali khan

      Can I recently say such a relief to find somebody that truly knows what theyre referring to on-line. You certainly have learned to bring a concern to light making it essential. The diet have to ought to see this and appreciate this side on the story. I ca How Liquid Vitamins Are Manufactured

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    17. yousuf ali khan

      the prettiest girl on Gossip Girl is none other than blake lively, oh i just love her’ How to Get Expired Listings

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    18. yousuf ali khan

      i would love to munch so many italian foods, italian foods are the best in my opinion and they are very tasty., Stainless Steel HVAC Grilles Business

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    19. yousuf ali khan

      You need to get involved in a tournament personally of the best blogs on the internet. I most certainly will recommend this web site! How to Market Your Business Online

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    20. yousuf ali khan

      you have a great blog here! do you need to cook some invite posts on my small blog? Digital Marketing for Lawyers

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    21. yousuf ali khan

      I discovered your blog site website on bing and check some of your early posts. Always maintain in the really good operate. I just extra increase your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Looking for toward reading a lot more within you down the line!… Download MidSequer for PC Windows

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    22. yousuf ali khan

      we love watching Dancing with the stars, the actresses and actors that joins it are nice- Error DNS Server Not Responding

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    23. yousuf ali khan

      marketing jobs can really earn you lots of dollars but most of the time, it is a difficult job.. Dr Lynette Nusbacher

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    24. yousuf ali khan

      I and also my guys happened to be reviewing the nice solutions found on your site and so unexpectedly developed an awful feeling I never thanked the web blog owner for them. My ladies came totally stimulated to read through all of them and now have unquestionably been taking advantage of those things. We appreciate you turning out to be really accommodating and also for obtaining this form of marvelous tips millions of individuals are really wanting to know about. My personal sincere regret for not saying thanks to you sooner. Magnesium Nitrate

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    25. yousuf ali khan

      Can I recently say such a relief to find somebody that truly knows what theyre referring to on-line. You certainly have learned to bring a concern to light making it essential. The diet have to ought to see this and appreciate this side on the story. I cant think youre less common because you certainly have the gift. Bimolecular Beta Elimination Reaction

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

    26. yousuf ali khan

      I enjoy reading article. Hope i can find more articles like this one. Thanks for posting. bestbusinessacumen

      Reply Report abuse

      Replying to yousuf ali khan

  13. Abdul moiz channel

    It’s essential to have having access to the knowledge posted here   eta new zealand

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to Abdul moiz channel

  14. tasoy jhon goonby

    the portable power  ThePortablePower.com is an online store where you can find the best Amazon products.We know that it is hard to find awesome products on Amazon that suit your needs best. You spend hours if not days researching your desired product on Amazon but none fits your needs. We are here to help you.  https://theportablepower.com/

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to tasoy jhon goonby

  15. abdias cylas icelogs

    Discover samsung mobile repair in UAE. Authorized Samsung Mobile Repair Center | 20+ Year of Trust Get the best Samsung mobile repair service in Dubai at your doorstep or our axiom care Book your Samsung mobile repair now at affordable price at Axiom care samsung mobile repair

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to abdias cylas icelogs

  16. yousuf ali khan

    Excellent weblog here! Additionally your website rather a lot up fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol smartcryptoinfo

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to yousuf ali khan

  17. yousuf ali khan

    I dont usually comment on blogs but i have to tell you well done generalwebsurfer

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to yousuf ali khan

  18. yousuf ali khan

    I dont usually comment on blogs but i have to tell you well done generalwebsurfer

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to yousuf ali khan

  19. yousuf ali khan

    Nice post. I find out some thing more challenging on different blogs everyday. Most commonly it is stimulating to read content using their company writers and exercise a little something from their site. I’d choose to apply certain together with the content on my own weblog regardless of whether you do not mind. Natually I’ll offer you a link in your internet weblog. Many thanks sharing. generalabout

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to yousuf ali khan

  20. yousuf ali khan

    You ought to get involved in a contest personally of the finest blogs on-line. I will recommend this page! boyntech

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to yousuf ali khan

  21. yousuf ali khan

    I took a break to view your article. I found it very relaxing healthinessy

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to yousuf ali khan

  22. yousuf ali khan

    Thank you designed for ad the following, It’s quickly what precisely As i seemed to be looking for for the purpose of upon yahoo. I’d quite a lot reasonably pick up viewpoints at a individual, a bit when compared with a business web page, that’s the reason I really like web logs for that reason a lot. Bless you! betterpetlife

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to yousuf ali khan

  23. yousuf ali khan

    You produced some decent points there. I looked on the internet for that issue and located most individuals goes along with along with your internet site. myeducationtime

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to yousuf ali khan

  24. Grace Baker

    Wow!! Spectacular results from them!! I am never contacting anyone else! The most amazing time period I have ever had! And their service is remarkable! guess the car name 

    guess the car name

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to Grace Baker

  25. Dianne Wilson

    Being a housewife I wasn’t completely able solve my problem on my own due to some family reasons but when I saw them site on the internet it became a relief for me now I can relax at my home at anytime!! digital stamp

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to Dianne Wilson

  26. Run sukamin 3

    A very interesting topic that I have been looking at, I think this is one of the most important information for me retro games. And I'm glad to read your post. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to Run sukamin 3

  27. Lillian Boucher

    The post was well-written, providing an in-depth look at the subject matter. contact us

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to Lillian Boucher

  28. moto x3m

    Thanks to reading this article, I have gained new knowledge, thank you very much  test grade calculator

    Reply Report abuse

    Replying to moto x3m

Post a comment

yousuf ali khan @ on

Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thanks However I am experiencing trouble with ur rss . Do not know why Can not sign up for it. Could there be anyone getting identical rss issue? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

You must log in to post comments.

Please keep comments relevant to this entry.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted. URLs (starting with http://) or email addresses will automatically be linked.