SOR4D Research Conference 2026

The overarching goal of the SOR4D programme is to produce better knowledge, solutions and innovation by needs-driven, transdisciplinary research that opens up new ways for advancing sustainable development and reducing poverty in the least developed, low and lower middle-income countries.

The specific objectives of the conference are:

• Gather the research and development community to present and discuss results from research projects and their impact: showcasing highlights from SOR4D and other research for development projects.
• Discuss relevant topics and best practices for transdisciplinary projects and North-South research partnerships.
• Provide opportunities for networking and mutual learning among the research and development community and explore the potential establishment of new connections and consortia.

Overarching theme: Advancing Transdisciplinary Research for Global Development: Crisis,Collaboration, and Change.

Today’s world is shaped by overlapping crises such as geopolitical conflicts, climate shocks, pandemics, and rising inequality. These challenges put the sustainability and scalability of development efforts to the test, making it more urgent than ever to find new ways forward. The SOR4D Research Conference invites participants to explore how transdisciplinary projects contribute to creating knowledge and expertise that can address current complex challenges and develop relevant, impactful, and transform ative solutions. Central to this discussion is the recognition that no single discipline, sector, or actor can address today’s challenges alone. By working together across boundaries, we can co-create solutions that are tailored to local realities, inclusive, and ready to scale. This requires project design and implementation that provide a platform for actors from all, science, policy and practice.The conference will focus on this overarching theme through three interlinked subthemes, each reflecting on how crises shape our work and how collaboration can drive change:

• Converging Knowledge Systems: Dialogue Between Tradition, Science, and Practice
• Transformative Research: Solutions and Innovation in Crises
• Shaping scalable solutions in real-world contexts

You can find detailed information in the call for contributions and the conference submission form on the SOR4D website.