This study had two main aims:
- to more fully understand development researchers and their areas of interest and research outputs.
- to provide support, recognition and opportunities for connection between development researchers.
Consequently this study has produced two main outputs:
- We now have, for the first time, an overview of the nature and size of the current Irish development research community based on actual data which includes not only the numbers of people involved in development research but also the areas of interest of their research.
- The researcher profiles now make up a Development Researchers Database which is now live. Researchers can complete and submit the questionnaire available here to be included in the database and/or update or edit their information at any time.
This mapping study was undertaken by Kimmage Development Studies Centre during the May - September 2014 on behalf of DSA Ireland and the Research Database will be managed by DSA Ireland going forward.
Statistics on the Researchers
As this graph shows there is very little difference in the gender of researchers with an almost equal number of men and women engaged with development research.
Almost 40% of researchers are between 41- 50 years of age. With an almost equal number of researchers at or above retirement age as entering into the sector.
Unsurprisingly the majority of researchers are Irish at 70%. There are significant numbers from outside of Ireland which reflects the heterogeneous nature of Ireland's population.
Statistics on the Region & Country Focus
A third of respondents did not specify a regional or country focus although more than one country was open for selection, the reason for this aren't immediately clear and further investigation may be needed.
Statistics on Categories & Keywords
Respondents were requested to situated their research within these broad categories. These categories were aligned with Irish Aid current priority areas. Over 20% stated that their research areas are outside of the categories given and 11% did not specify and this reflect that some of these respondents are not currently engaged with a research project.
A quarter of all respondents indicated that their research is focussed on Governance with another fifth involved in the areas of Civil Society and Health. As respondents were asked to select up to five key words these areas are therefore not mutually exclusive.