Who we are
ODI is an independent, global think tank.
Our vision is a sustainable and peaceful world in which every person thrives.
We harness the power of evidence and ideas through research and partnership to confront challenges, develop solutions and create change.
Read our five-year strategy.
Our work
We undertake cutting-edge research and analysis to generate evidence, ideas and solutions.
We act as trusted, expert advisers to those making change around the world.
We bring people together to turn ideas into action.
We communicate our work around the world to increase its reach and impact.
Where we work
This map provides a snapshot of the impact we're having across the world. The purple pins show where our Fellows are based.
Why work with us?
We are independent and trusted: established in 1960, ODI is non-partisan, non-profit and evidence-driven. Our independence is the cornerstone of our credibility. It allows us to develop fresh ideas, challenge orthodoxies and take the risks we need to succeed.
At a time when the world is faced with complex dilemmas, innovation will be essential to finding and testing bold ideas and solutions. We will be increasingly innovative in the ways in which we generate ideas, bring people together, communicate our work and increase our influence.
We are a global organisation, with staff, partners, and ODI fellows in 50 countries. The changes we seek require local knowledge, new relationships and perspectives, and credibility with decision-makers. We will therefore strive to broaden where we work in the world, and deepen and strengthen our links with who we work with, especially at country level.
ODI exists to have real impact for those who need it most. This is at the centre of our thinking about what to do, where to go and how we measure our success.
We are first-class communicators and convenors from our expert commentary to high-profile public and closed-door events, in-depth research reports to top-level media interviews.
Organisational information
ODI is an independent think tank with more than 240 staff, including researchers, communicators and specialist support staff.
As a registered charity, ODI is supported by grants and donations from foundations, non-governmental organisations, the private sector, governments, multilateral agencies and academia. Download the full list of funders.
Company name: Overseas Development Institute
Place of registration: England & Wales
Company Number: 00661818
Registered office address: 203 Blackfriars Road, London. SE1 8NJ
Charity Registration Number: 228248
Our values
Independence
Our work is independent from our funders. Staff are able to challenge donor thinking and policy and the wider development consensus.
High quality
We ensure best practice, innovative approaches and continuous improvement in our research, policy advice and public affairs.
Fairness, diversity and equality
We treat all staff and partners fairly and with respect.
Working together
We continuously try to foster better relationships throughout the organisation. We believe that by working together in a supportive environment, we will achieve more and have greater impact.
Transparency and accountability
We report openly on our use of public funds, and fully communicate our work to our donors, research subjects and partners.
Sustainability
We use resources in a sustainable way, conscious of our impact on the environment.