Research
The Research Programme is reformulated every two years by the Director in consultation with the UNU-WIDER Board following extensive discussions with UNU-WIDER research staff, leading economists in the UN and elsewhere, and donor government representatives. Research projects are led by scholars (Research Fellows and External Project Directors) who elaborate the proposals before the projects are launched. Each project typically invites selected authors to write original research papers which are later presented and discussed at project workshops and conferences. In some cases, a more general ‘call for papers’ may be announced on the website.
Two large development conferences are organized each year in Helsinki, each of which brings together around 100 individuals to present papers and to discuss current problems on development issues. Participants are usually researchers and policy makers from the academic, government, and development communities. Special attempts are made to encourage researchers from developing countries and to achieve a gender balance at these events.
The research studies are published as WIDER working papers and made available in pdf format on this website. Ultimately, each project and conferences is expected to produce one or more volumes or special issues of a journal. The outcome also often includes a policy brief and an article in the WIDER Angle.
The research programme is financed in part from the UNU endowment fund, with additional support provided by external sources, including governments and foundations. The current programme receives contributions from the governments of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.