The Governance and Social Development Resource Centre (GSDRC) is a University of Birmingham research centre that conducts policy-oriented research on issues of governance and international development. It is based in the International Development Department in the School of Government. The department has over 50 years’ experience undertaking ground-breaking research, teaching, and policy advice on the most pressing global challenges.
Founded in 2001, the GSDRC has engaged in a range of projects over the years with expertise on issues of governance, social development, humanitarian response, and conflict. In September 2024, the GSDRC welcomed its new Director, Professor Rachel Gisselquist, who joined the University of Birmingham from the United Nations.
GSDRC’s flagship service has been our research helpdesk, which provides rapid responses to specific research questions from national and international development agencies. Our specialist research team has also produced range of knowledge products including literature reviews, topic guides, and conflict analyses. Clients have included FCDO, the European Union, the OECD, the World Bank, UNDP, and more.
The GSDRC began as the Governance Resource Centre, established by FCDO in 2001. It expanded in 2005 to become the Governance and Social Development Resource Centre. In 2012 it gained additional partner organisations and further support from UKaid. During 2016-22, we were part of FCDO’s ‘Knowledge for Development’ (K4D) programme, and since 2023, we have been part of the ‘Knowledge for Development and Diplomacy’ (K4DD) programme. The work we do for FCDO via K4DD is published under this programme while our work for other clients is published under the GSDRC name.
