Policies

Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) program

Context and Issue

In many developing countries, researchers face significant challenges in accessing the resources and partnerships necessary to address critical development issues. From health crises and educational gaps to environmental sustainability and food security, these regions often lack the scientific infrastructure and funding to conduct impactful research. The absence of robust local research capacities hampers efforts to generate data-driven solutions and implement evidence-based policies, further exacerbating development challenges. To bridge this gap and enhance global development outcomes, there is a pressing need for programs that support and empower local researchers through international collaboration and funding. This is where the Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) program steps in, providing vital support to researchers in developing countries to tackle these global challenges effectively.

Solution

The Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) is an international program launched in 2011 to fund researchers in developing countries who collaborate with U.S. government-funded researchers to address global development challenges. PEER provides institutional research awards up to $200,000, focusing on areas such as agriculture, biodiversity, disaster mitigation, education, energy, family planning, food security, infectious diseases, nutrition, reproductive health, and water and sanitation (WASH). Key elements of PEER include leveraging the expertise of U.S. scientific agencies like NASA, NIH, NSF, and NOAA, and other research institutions to enhance local research capacities. The program is implemented by the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which manage the proposal review process, disburse grants, and monitor projects. PEER operates by inviting scientists in developing countries to submit proposals for funding, fostering partnerships with U.S. researchers, focusing on filling critical evidence gaps, and conducting implementation research. These efforts are aimed at scaling local processes to improve development programming and inform policy. The program emphasizes community engagement and collaboration with local governments, ensuring research translates into actionable policies. Through its comprehensive approach, PEER builds local research capacity, strengthens global research partnerships, and contributes significantly to global development outcomes.

Impact

Since its inception in 2011, the PEER program has awarded nearly $100 million to over 350 projects in 50 countries, significantly bolstering research capacity in developing regions. The program has supported research across diverse fields, such as agriculture, biodiversity, disaster mitigation, education, and health, effectively addressing critical development challenges. PEER projects have led to the creation of essential tools and databases, such as DNA barcodes for wildlife protection in Kenya and Tanzania, models for fire management in Colombia, and open mapping systems for disaster preparedness in Nepal. The program has also facilitated the publication of over 900 research articles, with more than 75% of awardees securing additional funding for continued research. Additionally, PEER has engaged 3,000 students, half of whom are women, thereby promoting gender equality in scientific research. Through these efforts, PEER has strengthened global research partnerships, enhanced local research capabilities, and contributed to policy development, ultimately improving development outcomes and addressing global challenges more effectively.

Analysis

The PEER program effectively addresses the need for research and innovation funding in developing countries by fostering international collaboration, building local research capacities, and translating research into policy. Its comprehensive approach and significant impact demonstrate its potential as a robust solution for enhancing global development outcomes. However, its success is contingent upon stable political environments and consistent policy support to ensure sustained collaboration and long-term benefits.