What are the CGIAR Research Programs?
The CGIAR Research Programs (CRPs) are the main mechanism by which the CGIAR will achieve the greater alignment of research outputs with the four selected System Level Outcomes (SLOs).
The CRPs involve three core principles:
- A strategic approach to organizing research around impact on the four SLOs
- Integration of research across core competencies
- Clarity on and differentiation of partnerships at the various stages of the R&D process
The common evaluation criteria (developed jointly with the Independent Science and Partnership Council [ISPC]), against which the quality and strength of the CRPs are assessed, are:
- Strategic coherence and clarity of Program objectives
- Delivery focus and plausibility of impact
- Quality of science
- Quality of research and development partners and partnership management
- Appropriateness and efficiency of Program management
- Clear accountability and financial soundness, and efficiency of governance
The evaluation process of the CRPs involves three system-level entities: the Consortium Board (CB), the ISPC and the Fund Council (FC).
While executing its oversight role, the CB must ensure the adequacy and compliance of the CGIAR Research Programs (CRPs) that it proposes on behalf of the Consortium for funding to the Fund Council. Furthermore, the CB has the primary responsibility to secure optimal balance in terms of scope and resources within the CRP portfolio, and synergy between CRPs and appropriate boundaries of individual CRPs in the context of addressing the Strategic Results Framework (SRF).
The key steps of the review process by the CB are:
- External review of the proposals executed by independent reviewers
- Review by the CB on the basis of the external evaluations
- Issuance by the CB of an Assessment Report (if further work on the proposal is recommended) or of an Approval Letter (when the proposal is accepted as submitted)
The ISPC provides independent advice to the FC on the scientific quality, relevance and credibility of the proposal in relation to other potential suppliers of this research. Based on the CB assessments, its own reviews and the advice provided by the ISPC, the FC makes its final judgement on the investment-worthiness of the proposal. The FC may, if necessary, take into consideration further evaluation criteria (additional to those mentioned above) as they affect the availability of finances and risks in relation to development.
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