An open conversation about evidence

These pages are a place to think aloud about the quality and integrity of research, particularly in humanitarian and development work, where evidence so often shapes decisions that matter a great deal to people’s lives. The reflections here draw on more than two decades of producing, commissioning, and reviewing research, although any examples are fictional or composite unless otherwise stated. They are offered as initial thoughts rather than settled claims, and I hope they will be read in that spirit.

I do not assume that I have the answers, and I suspect that the most useful insights will come from others: researchers and evaluators, commissioners and funders, practitioners and the communities whose knowledge research depends upon. If something here resonates, or if you see it differently, I would be glad to hear from you. The aim is to start a conversation.