The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) is one of the leading independent think tanks on international development and humanitarian issues. Based in London, its mission is "to inspire and inform policy and practice which lead to the reduction of poverty, the alleviation of suffering and the achievement of sustainable livelihoods in developing countries." It does this by "locking together high-quality applied research, practical policy advice, and policy-focused dissemination and debate."
ODI began life in small premises in Regent's Park, central London, and operated a library devoted to international development issues as well as performing consultancy work and contracts with the Department for International Development (then known as the Overseas Development Agency) of the UK government. Since then it has moved several times, and is currently on Blackfriars Road. Unlike its counterpart, the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at Sussex University, it does not engage in teaching. The current Director is Dr Alison Evans, formerly of the IDS.
In July 2007, ODI was named 'Think Tank of the Year 2007' by Public Affairs News magazine. It was previously named 'Think-tank to Watch' in the Prospect (magazine) 'Think-tank of the Year' awards, 2005.
It celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2010, with guests including former ODI Fellow and current UK Business Secretary, Vince Cable.
ODI has published many books, papers and briefings, and two leading academic journals, Development Policy Review and Disasters.
It has had a Partnership Programme Arrangement with the UK's Department for International Development(DFID) since 2004.
Read more about Overseas Development Institute: Organisation and Departments, ODI Event Series, Fellowship Scheme
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