The Engineering Knowledge and Research (KaR) programme is managed by the Infrastructure and Urban Development Department (IUDD) of DFID. IUDD aims to encourage policies, technologies and skills that will help poor people to escape from poverty on a sustainable basis. The KaR programme contributes to this aim by providing funding to support research into technical, managerial and policy solutions in the infrastructure and urban fields. This aims to be responsive to new needs and demands, working with other disciplines and within the framework of a sustainable livelihoods approach.

KaR projects incorporate the following features:

1. They are selected to contribute to DFID's policy strategy, particularly in the areas of poverty reduction, water and health, sustainability and protection of the environment.

2. KaR projects demonstrate a clear poverty focus in that the expected outcomes take account of the needs of poor and vulnerable groups.

3. Engineering knowledge, put into practice, encourages economic growth as well as meeting the needs of poor people.

4. The demands of, and participation by, local groups are considered important in facilitating the take-up of research. The role of the private sector within the KaR programme is encouraged with regard to this.

5. Uptake and application of research is being given greater emphasis by DFID in order to improve the effectiveness of the KaR programme.

Each year, normally in July, advertisements are placed in the engineering press and on the IUDD Research page of the DFID web site inviting research agencies to submit proposals for research under one of the given research Themes. Proposals are to be submitted initially in outline (as a Concept Note), and later in full if accepted in principle. Proposals are assessed according to a number of objectives:

• Their contribution to identified research objectives.

• Their contribution to reducing poverty and vulnerability and to encouraging sustainable livelihoods, as described in the features above.

• The likelihood that the private sector (or others) would not undertake the research.

• The capability of the research team undertaking the research.

• The ability of the research team to address cross-cutting issues such as poverty focus, gender, sustainability and environment in the research.

For further information contact:

Engineering Knowledge and Research Programme Manager
Room 351
Infrastructure and Urban Development Department
DFID
1 Palace Street
London SW1E 5HE

Tel: 0207 023 0159/0484
Fax: 0207 023 0072

Email: enquiry@dfid.gov.uk