The Deputy Secretary General of the ACU, Dr John Kirkland, was invited to give evidence to the UK House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee inquiry into the Department for International Development’s (DFID’s) support for scientific capacity building on Wednesday 8 February 2012.

Dr Kirkland agreed with the definition of capacity building provided by DFID, which states that capacity building involves:

”Enhancing the abilities of individuals, organisations and systems to undertake and disseminate high quality research efficiently and effectively”

He emphasised that the quality of graduates from institutions was important and suggested that there be a balanced approach between individuals and institutions when considering funding. Dr Kirkland highlighted the fact that capacity and experience gained through consultancy and contract work is not contributing to the development of university or research system capacity.  He stressed that institutional capacity takes time and commented on issues such as career progression and the professional development of academics, the use of split sites whereby academics can obtain their qualifications with home and partner universities and distance learning.

He also suggested that there should be a system of continuous evaluation during and at the conclusion of projects with a thorough impact assessment of DFID's contribution over a period of time and not only during the life cycle of an individual project/s.  There is also need for greater knowledge capture within the organisation and ways found to develop expertise within country research systems outside of projects.

For further information access the links below to the inquiry web page, which features Dr Kirkland's uncorrected oral and the ACU's written evidence along with the video recording of the proceedings. Please note that the video is approximately 90 minutes in length.

• Commons and Select Committee Science and International Development page
• Science and International Development video