The Research and Evaluation Division (RED) was established in 1975 to provide research support to BRAC programmes. RED conducts multidisciplinary studies on various development issues and subjects of national and global importance. These include poverty alleviation, socioeconomic development, agriculture, nutrition, health, population, education, environment, gender, and related fields. Although RED concentrates its activities on BRAC programmes, it also maintains strong linkages with the government organizations, UN bodies, and a number of academic and research institutions at home and abroad.

RED emphasizes the importance of effectively sharing research findings with its stakeholders, such as BRAC management, donors, field managers, and also policy makers and researchers at home and abroad.

Research findings are disseminated through reports, monographs, annual reports, books and book chapters, journal articles, vernacular research compendium, and short articles in newspapers and newsletters. The research findings are also disseminated through presentations in national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops. Summaries of major findings and important activities are also posted on display boards placed at all the training venues of BRAC.

As of December 2004, RED has produced 970 research reports and papers that are available in bound volumes in Ayesha Abed Library at BRAC University. Thirty studies were completed in 2004. The abstracts of completed studies are available in the RED annual report and at the BRAC website. Eleven original research papers were published in national and international journals during the year. Some of the international journals that published the research findings of BRAC are Indian Journal of Paediatrics, Public Health Nutrition, Public Health, Journal of International Development, International Journal of Health Promotion and Education, and the Journal of Transcultural Nursing. BRAC researchers also contributed 17 book chapters and have produced two books during the year. As of December 2004, RED has 40 researchers, 7 support staff, and 52 project staff, 34% being female. Besides, 9 researchers were on study and long leave. In 2004, RED spent Taka 20.77 million (US$ 0.35 million), 68% of which came from BRAC’s core funds and the remaining raised from external collaborative research, consultancy, and commissioned research projects.

For detailed information, visit the official BRAC Research website: http://www.brac.net/research