Our work

ODI promotes global progress and prosperity by focusing on improving the lives of the world's poorest people. Explore our major research themes, programmes and partnerships.

Topics

Our research and policy work covers a wide range of development and humanitarian issues.

Climate, environment and natural resources
- adaptation
- agriculture
- climate
- climate change
- climate finance
- energy
- environment
- extractives
- food
- food security
- forests
- green growth
- land
- natural resources
- pastoralism
- rural
- sanitation
- urbanisation
- water
Conflict, risk and humanitarian
Economics, finance and aid
Governance, politics and institutions
Poverty, inequality and social issues
Research, evidence and policy

Where we work

Explore our research on particular countries and regions.

Key topics

Conflict and violence

Taiz, Salah district. A man is observing the damage caused by the clashes. ICRC/Khalid Al-Saeed

We enhance understanding of the threats facing communities in protracted crises, and the implications of violent insecurity for civilian protection.

Gender

Education is the strongest predictor of marriage age so staying in school is key for Bayush (far left) and her friends. Photo: Jessica Lea/DFID (CC BY 2.0)

Our interdisciplinary analysis seeks to advance gender justice across the world.

Migration and refugees

Eritrean refugee Sham Alem, 17, paints scenes inspired by official warnings and by the stories of people he knows. Photo: Gabriel Pecot

We challenge established thinking on how to manage global migration and protect people affected by displacement.

Jobs and livelihoods

A Syrian refugee at work in a Lebanese textile factory supported by UK aid and Mercy Corps, 2017. Photo: Russell Watkins/DFID

Our research and analysis covers the most critical global issues around jobs, livelihoods, and the future of work.