Connect South Campaign Pledges to Support Southern Researchers

05 July 2012

GDNet, a knowledge hub that brings together and communicates policy-relevant research from the global south, has recently launched a new campaign to encourage members of the development research and policy communities to adopt a more inclusive approach to southern researchers’ knowledge.

The campaign, called Connect South, calls on people and organisations working in development to pledge their support and will re-establish GDNet’s own commitments to southern researchers.

GDNet believes that southern researchers experience particular barriers to having their knowledge influence global debates on development. Publishing in international journals is often harder for them due to lack of access to the latest research. GDNet’s own survey data also points to the dominance of northern academic practices making it harder for southern research to be seen on an equal footing.

GDNet writes that more than ever, “we need knowledge and experience from the south to inform responses to global problems”. They urge individuals and organisations to “Join us by signing up to the Connect South Charter of Commitment and pledge how you will help southern research have a greater impact”.

GDNet hopes that organisations might promise to:

1. Create web link to the GDNet Charter of Commitment 
2. Co-host events and seminars to discuss the issues facing southern researchers
3. Contribute to blogs and online discussions that focus on research communication and uptake
4. Feature on the Connect South wall of fame web page
5. Become a media partner and hosting content on the campaign

Southern researchers might promise to:

1. Participate in social media and spread the word to their networks
2. Submit their research to knowledge intermediaries and communication channels
3. Participate in online and offline events, networks and discussions
4. Register or update their profiles with GDNet

Watch the Connect South presentation to find out more about the campaign.