Research Helpdesk

The research helpdesk is a demand-responsive service providing two days of desk-based research on any topic the GSDRC covers to investigate specific research questions. We synthesise the key issues, identify relevant literature and gather comments from academics and practitioners.

Submit Your Query

Please note that the helpdesk service is charged at fixed daily rates to organisations other than DFID. Please contact us for information on costs.

Hot Topics

Browse the latest hot topics from the research helpdesk or use the search form below to search for past queries on specific topics.

How the service operates

The Helpdesk is staffed by a team of three researchers located at the University of Birmingham and Social Development Direct. The GSDRC also maintains close links with the British Library of Development Studies, Europe's largest research collection on economic and social change in developing countries. Researchers can call on the GSDRC's established networks of expert academics and practitioners both within our consortium and in the wider development community.

An important part of ensuring the quality of Helpdesk responses is discussing and clarifying your query before research begins. This helps us to understand your exact needs and tailor our response to match the purpose of your query.

Related services

• Hire a consultant to carry out fieldwork, long-term research, or make policy recommendations.
• Visit the document library to search for documents in your area of interest.

Other Helpdesk services

Questions about the following subjects should be directed to other
Helpdesk services core-funded by DFID:

• Anti-corruption: U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre
• Health: DFID Health Resource Centre
• Security sector reform: Global Facilitation Network for Security
  Sector Reform (GFN-SSR)

New additions