Mobilizing science for global food security. Third External Review of IFPRI (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research ) (1998): Chapter 3 - Cross-Cutting Themes: 3.2 Quality of Research: 3.2.2 The Quality of Research Methods at IFPRI

Mobilizing science for global food security. Third External Review of IFPRI (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research ) (1998)

Chapter 3 - Cross-Cutting Themes

3.2 Quality of Research

		(introduction...)
		3.2.1 The Selection of Research Inputs
		3.2.2 The Quality of Research Methods at IFPRI
		3.2.3 The Quality of Published Research Output: Internal and External Quality Control
		3.2.4 The Incentives for Quality at IFPRI

3.2.2 The Quality of Research Methods at IFPRI

The Panel commends IFPRI for its foresight in assembling a distinguished list of independent experts, chosen for their familiarity with the themes addressed by IFPRI and for their methodological rigour, to carry out a thorough Internally Commissioned External Review of IFPRI’s research methodology. As discussed earlier, the Panel cannot improve on the ICER review of quality and appropriateness of the research methods used by IFPRI. The study was detailed and covered all research programmes. In general the ICER gave IFPRI high marks, with some specific minor reservations or differences of opinion here and there that IFPRI for the most part has addressed and either adopted or rejected for clear reasons. The Panel reviewed the ICER output in great detail, as well as the IFPRI responses and is fully satisfied with the work of the ICER and the IFPRI’s responses to its recommendations.

The Panel encourages IFPRI to continue with the ICER process, perhaps focusing on research issues in addition to quality of methods. Also, when the new OD is fully up and running and has an operational plan in implementation, an ICER looking at the quality of outreach also would be in order.