Abstract
The CGIAR, a global research partnership, underwent significant reform in 2020, uniting under the banner of One CGIAR with the ambitious goal of eradicating hunger by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This transformation aimed to streamline partnerships, knowledge, and operations, emphasizing the importance of scientific research in addressing complex challenges related to food security, land use, and water management in the face of climate change.
In 2023, the United Nations responded to the imperative of leveraging scientific advancements for sustainable development by establishing an independent Scientific Advisory Board. This board is tasked with advising UN leaders on harnessing the benefits of scientific breakthroughs while mitigating potential risks, particularly in support of SDG attainment. Central to this advisory role is the evaluation of Quality of Science (QoS), highlighting its critical role in guiding decision-making processes towards achieving impactful outcomes.
The main purpose of this synthesis document is to showcase evidence collected from evaluating QoS in CGIAR evaluations and reviews, irrespective of whether a designated QoS evaluation criterion was used explicitly or implicitly. It contains the following sections summarized by QoS dimensions (design, inputs, processes, and outputs) and relevant recommendations: evaluative reviews of twelve 2020 CRPs; a review of the 2021 synthesis report; reviews of the GENDER, Genebank and Big Data in Agriculture Platform evaluations; and a summary of three case studies used to apply the QoS dimensions at the 2023 workshop. Both quantitative and qualitative indicators from the new evaluation guidelines were used. The main objective was to illustrate the use and value of the QoS criterion in practice. It was explicitly used in the 2020 CRP reviews (without the design dimension), but implicitly used in the 2022‒23 platform reviews.
We encourage you to explore the synthesis's findings, recommendations, and case studies, as we collectively strive to harness the power of science for a more food-secure and sustainable future.
Citation
CGIAR Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES). (2024). Evaluative Evidence on Quality of Science in CGIAR portfolio: Summary. Rome: IAES Evaluation Function
Publisher
CGIAR's Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES)
