The three IAES Functions
CGIAR’s Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES) provides operational support as the secretariat for the Independent Science for Development Council (ISDC) and the Standing Panel on Impact Assessment (SPIA), and implements CGIAR’s multi-year, independent evaluation plan as approved by the System Council. The IAES and the two independent bodies it supports, facilitate and provide external, impartial, and expert advice related to strategy and positioning, program evaluation, and impact assessment.
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Independent Science for Development Council
The Independent Science for Development Council (ISDC) is an external, impartial standing panel of experts in science and development subject matters (including food systems innovation matters that extend beyond the agricultural sector) appointed by the System Council and accountable to it, with the responsibility of providing rigorous, independent strategic advice to the System Council, and based on decisions taken by the System Council, the broader CGIAR System as a whole.
Standing Panel on Impact Assessment
The Standing Panel on Impact Assessment (SPIA) is an external, impartial panel of experts in impact assessment appointed by the System Council and accountable to it. SPIA is responsible for providing rigorous evidence of the reach and causal impacts of CGIAR research and for providing independent strategic advice to the CGIAR System on efficient and effective impact assessment methods and practices, including those measuring impacts beyond contributions to science and economic performance, and on innovative ways to improve knowledge and capacity on how research contributes to development outcomes.
Evaluation Function
The IAES's Evaluation Function delivers and supports process and performance evaluations which provide accountability, support to decision making, and lessons for improving quality and effectiveness of agricultural research for development outcomes. The CGIAR Evaluation Framework and Policy guide the work of the function. The 15 core standards and principles for the practice of evaluation in CGIAR as outlined in the Evaluation framework dictate the guiding principles of the IAES's Evaluation function. These principles establish the parameters for independent, robust, utilization-focused evaluations that support accountability and learning, and guide decision-making
A message from the Director
As we arrive at midyear of 2025, IAES is delivering on its strategic role supporting CGIAR’s independent scientific advice and evaluative evidence. Through ISDC, SPIA, and the Evaluation Function, CGIAR independent advisory bodies are providing timely, high-quality advice and evidence to inform inception of CGIAR’s 2025–2030 portfolio. The ISDC secretariat in IAES has put in position all necessary arrangements for the inception report review, led by ISDC. SPIA’s Program Management Unit in IAES has proceeded with all contracting for deepened longitudinal research in Phase 1 countries while initiating preparations for Phase 2 expansion, including scoping work in Nigeria, India, and Colombia. Both ISDC and SPIA semi-annual face-to-face meetings will take place in July, to boost these discussions. The IAES/Evaluation Function is advancing evaluability assessments to ensure solid groundwork for 2027 midline evaluations of the new portfolio, whilst summarizing past assurance and evaluative evidence related to CGIAR’s strategic 7 ways of working. Collectively, the result of these efforts equips CGIAR decision-makers with credible, independent insight across the system’s evolving research and innovation agenda.
Allison Grove Smith
Director, CGIAR Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES)
A message from the SPIA Chair
SPIA is thrilled to launch our expanded country studies in 2025 and to collaborate with outstanding external research teams that have been selected to lead this work. We also look forward to new causal impact studies and to continued engagement with CGIAR stakeholders around key insights from the SPIA 2019-2024 portfolio. These efforts in the new SPIA workplan continue SPIA’s commitment to evidence-based learning and decision-making across the system.
Travis Lybbert
Chair, CGIAR Standing Panel on Impact Assessment (SPIA)
A message from the ISDC Chair
The CGIAR stands at a pivotal moment. It must address global crises, implement its strategic research and development portfolio, deliver world-class science and navigate a profoundly changed and challenging funding landscape. Independent, robust, and evidence-based advice to CGIAR’s governing bodies and leaders on all aspects of science is now more crucial than ever. ISDC has the mandate, capability, and capacity to deliver such advice. Our commitment is to ensure that every decision is grounded in high-quality, quantitative and qualitative evidence, enabling CGIAR and its partners to design impactful agriculture and food systems for our world.
Holger Meinke
Chair, Independent Science for Development Council (ISDC)
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Annual Snapshot
Annual Snapshots summarize the year's accomplishments, offering detailed insights into focus areas, key achievements, and their broader implications. These include analyses of pivotal topics, updates on innovative projects, and summaries of advisory activities. By showcasing progress toward IAES's goals, the snapshots provide stakeholders—including researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders—with valuable information to guide decisions in environmental science, policy, and community actions. They serve as essential tools for understanding IAES's contributions to global development and advancing strategic collaboration.
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