GDN is launching the Global Development Network Research Lab, a new space that will enable the global research community to access, explore, and leverage data and analysis generated through GDN’s programmes, in the spirit of open science. The Lab is designed as a one-stop platform providing access to datasets, research tools, reports, and publications produced by GDN grantees. It also aims to foster stronger connections between researchers engaged in GDN-supported initiatives and the broader global scientific community
The Research Lab aspires to become a launchpad for South-South and South-North scientific collaboration on issues of critical importance, including research systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), inclusive digital transformations, public health, and many other development challenges, with the goal of informing debates and decisions based on comparative, high-quality evidence. The Lab brings together a repository of datasets and research tools organised by thematic area, a searchable directory of researchers involved in GDN programmes, and a range of data visualisation tools and applications built around the resources available under each programme.
To mark the launch of the Lab at the Regional Forum Repenser le futur de la recherche en Afrique francophone in Dakar on 22 October 2026, GDN is releasing a first iteration of the platform featuring the data, instruments, and research tools generated through the global Doing Research initiative. Specifically, the release will let you compare data on research systems in francophone Africa with countries in anglophone Africa, Asia and Central America that have been part of the initiative over the last 12 years. The current iteration is in French. We kindly request that you use your browser to translate the page if needed. The English version will be available shortly.
The Research Lab reflects GDN’s commitment to advancing more open and collaborative scientific practices while highlighting the intellectual and scientific contributions of researchers from the Global South to addressing key development challenges.
For more information, please contact researchlab@gdn.int.
For more information, please contact researchlab@gdn.int.
