Researchers Address Global Development Challenges during Trinity Development Research Week
Posted on: 08 November 2011
The Trinity Development Research Week, which was launched by Professor Jane Ohlmeyer at Trinity College Dublin this week, aims to address the major global development challenges of our time by showcasing the research, teaching and outreach activities that are taking place across Trinity’s three faculties. Taking place from November 7-11, the week-long programme of events has been organised by the Trinity International Development Initiative (TIDI) and includes seminars, lectures, panel discussions, exhibitions and films.
Speaking at the launch, Vice-Provost for Global Relations Professor Jane Ohlmeyer said: “I am delighted to be launching Trinity Development Research Week, which has now become a very important part of the College calendar. This week has huge significance, as it highlights international development research taking place throughout Trinity College and further afield. It brings together the entire international development community of academics, students, NGOs, policy makers and all those with an interest in international development and provides a unique forum for discussion and collaboration. International development is an area of great importance and is central to TCD’s strategy as the University seeks to internationalise and contribute in a global society.”
Trinity Development Research Week is funded by Irish Aid under the Programme of Strategic Cooperation between Irish Aid and Higher Education and Research Institutes. Run in collaboration with researchers and students from Trinity College Dublin and other education institutes, as well as NGOs and other stakeholders, Trinity Development Research Week aims to highlight development research and its application across a range of themes. The events offer the public an opportunity to learn about the diversity of the subject and covers topics such as climate change, health, education and financing for development. This week also acts as a platform to showcase the significant body of work being carried out by researchers at Trinity College Dublin in international development.
Highlights of the programme include a seminar with economist and writer Nitasha Kaul on ‘Democracy, Development and Economic Justice’ on Monday at 1pm in the Swift Theatre, Arts Building. The challenges associated with the need for developing countries to identify and develop sustainable revenue sources which can be used to finance their development will be addressed at a session entitled ‘Financing for Development: Tobin Taxes, National Tax Systems and International Tax Transparency’ on Tuesday at 5.30pm in the Trinity Long Room Hub. On Wednesday a public lecture on ‘Evidence Based Aid’ will take place highlighting the importance of reliable and relevant information before and after natural disasters. Issues associated with climate change will also be addressed at two panel discussions on Thursday in the Innovation Academy located at Foster Place. The week of events will conclude on Friday at 1.30pm when Derek Fee, Former Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Zambia will deliver a seminar on ‘The Business of Aid’. A full programme of events for the week is available online. All events are free and open to the public.
2011 marks the third annual Trinity Development Research Week, an event which forms part of TIDI’s aim to place Trinity College Dublin at the forefront of development research and education internationally. There are currently over 100 active development researchers across the university working on 70 development research projects. The Trinity Development Research Week offers an opportunity for these researchers to come together and collectively address the major challenges facing developing countries.
About TIDI:
The Trinity International Development Initiative (TIDI) was established in 2008 to maximise Trinity College Dublin’s contribution to understanding and addressing the major global development challenges of our time through research, teaching and outreach activities.
TIDI’s vision is that TCD will be internationally renowned for excellence in development research and education and for the provision of practical solutions to real-world challenges. A vibrant outreach programme will raise awareness among the wider community of development issues and of TCD’s role in addressing these. TIDI will act as a focal point bringing together the best minds from across all disciplines in the university to collectively address the major challenges facing developing countries. TIDI builds on a long-established tradition and a growing interest at TCD in research and teaching on issues related to international development. With over 100 active development researchers across the university’s three faculties, 70 development research projects and 40 courses with development content, TCD has the opportunity to make a major contribution to achieving sustainable development. Our approach is based on equity, justice and strategic, sustainable partnerships with academic institutions, NGOs, government, and the commercial sector, both in the developing and the developed world.
Further information on TIDI’s activities are available online at www.tcd.ie/tidi