The GCRF-OSIRIS Project: Lessons Learnt€¦ · The GCRF-OSIRIS Project: Lessons Learnt Prof Maria...
Transcript of The GCRF-OSIRIS Project: Lessons Learnt€¦ · The GCRF-OSIRIS Project: Lessons Learnt Prof Maria...
The GCRF-OSIRIS Project: Lessons LearntProf Maria Paola ScaparraSEARMA Workshop, Hanoi, May 23 2019
Agenda Introduction to the GCRF
Overview
Core areas
Criteria for GCRF funding
The GCRF-OSIRIS Project
Ingredients for a successful proposal
Challenges
Opportunities
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Global Challenges Research Fund
• £1.5 billion research funding scheme
• Announced March 2016
• Funded by the UK Government
• For UK researchers
• Funding for 5 years initially: 2016 – 2021
• Accounts for 10% of the total UK’s total research budget
• For research that will address the problems faced by developing countries
Changing the way we think about research
Internationally renowned UK research expertise
Help address the problems faced by developing countries
ODA Statement
Every GCRF proposal must include an ODA Statement
The statement must answer the following questions:
1. Which country/ countries on the DAC list will directly benefit from this proposal?
2. How is your proposal directly and primarily relevant to the development
challenges of this country / these countries?
3. How do you expect that the outcome of your proposed activities will promote
the economic development and welfare of this country / these countries?
Challenge areas1. Equitable Access to Sustainable Development
• secure and resilient food systems, sustainable health and well being• inclusive and equitable quality education• clean air, water and sanitation• affordable, reliable, sustainable energy
2. Sustainable Economies and Societies• sustainable livelihoods (economic growth and innovation)• resilience and action on short-term environmental shocks and long-term environmental
change• sustainable cities and communities• sustainable production and consumption of materials and other resources
3. Human Rights, Good Governance and Social Justice• respond effectively to forced displacement and multiple refugee crises• reduce conflict and promote peace, justice and humanitarian action• reduce poverty and inequality, including gender inequalities
https://www.ukri.org/research/global-challenges-research-fund/
UN Sustainable Development Goals
GCRF Cities & Infrastructure Programme Launched by the British Academy
Interdisciplinary, problem-focused research programme …
that supports development of sustainable and resilient cities in developing countries
17 projects funded (up to £300,000 each)
Duration: 16 months
Started February 2018
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Optimal Investment Strategies to Minimize Flood Impact on Road Infrastructure Systems
Overarching aim
Reduce the impact of floods on Vietnam’s urban road networks …
by building a decision support tool which optimizes long-term investments in flood mitigation measures
Methodology
Operational Research (OR)
Integrated with other disciplines (e.g. social science, transport economics, hydrology, climatology)
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@GCRF_OSIRIS
GCRF.OSIRIS
https://research.kent.ac.uk/gcrf-osiris/
What is O.R. ?
Operations research (O.R.) is the discipline of applying advanced
analytical methods to help make better decisions.
Also known as: Management Science Business Analytics
Maths in the Real World
Applications of O.R.
Hanoi’s Recent Floods
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2016
Problem exacerbated by:• Aging drainage system• Fast urbanisation• Poor awareness• Climate change
2017
2018
Countries exposed to floods
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Project Team
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Impact Assessment
Interdisciplinary Approach
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Investment
Programmes
Review
Rainfall Simulation
Flood Map Generation
Optimal Schedule of Mitigation & Adaptation Actions
Main Outcomes High resolution rainfall predictions in extreme events for Hanoi
Flood maps for different climate change scenarios for Hanoi
Recommendations based on impact assessment• Improved communication and awareness at community level• Women engagement in flood management decision making• Integration of hard and soft mitigation measures• Stricter regulations to reduce waste discharge
Decision support tool for urban planners and policy makers• Prioritised list of drainage system measures to reduce congestion and
damage• Application for end-users to visualise the results
Innovative integration of different disciplines
New partnerships (TDSI, IMHEN, VAST, AMDI)
Ingredients for a successful proposal Challenge-led, impact-focused research
Stakeholder engagement
Realistic and clear pathways to impact
Genuine and equitable partnerships (consolidated and balanced team)
Innovative, excellent, interdisciplinary research
Demonstrable track record of researchers
Solid capacity building strategy
Value for money
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Challenges Timeline
Recruitment / retention of personnel (RA)
Communication across disciplines
Managing multiple teams in different cultural contexts (e.g. language, culture, public engagement, legal frameworks)
Budget estimation (e.g. visa, trips, translator)
Time allocation (e.g. PI)
Project Management and Administration (including communication)
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Lessons Learned Working across disciplines and across countries is challenging but
extremely rewarding
Having a consolidated network of reliable collaborators is key to
the success of the project
Need to have contingency plans and maybe a “safety” budget
Projects in developing countries have huge potential for impact
and become starting points for new streams of research
New data and innovative solutions to inform research worldwide
These projects can become addictive!
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Project Team
20Inception Workshop 29.03.2018
GCRF: Cities & Infrastructure17