International Development Research Centre, IDRC, CRDI International Development Research Centre (IDRC) The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is a Canadian Crown corporation established by an act of Parliament in 1970 to help developing countries find solutions to their problems. We encourage and support researchers and innovators in those countries to find practical, long-term solutions to the social, economic, and environmental problems their societies face. Our goal is to find ways to reduce poverty, improve health, support innovation, and safeguard the environment. We often work with other Canadian government departments and agencies on programs of mutual interest that are aligned with Canadian values and government priorities. Many of these initiatives create opportunities for researchers from Canada and the developing world to collaborate on research of common interest. Most of IDRC’s funding comes from annual appropriations from Canada’s Parliament. IDRC also receives funds from other sources, such as foundations and other Canadian and international organizations that support international development or fund research. IDRC is guided by an international Board of Governors. We report to Canada’s Parliament through the Minister of International Development. Our head office is in Ottawa, Canada. Four regional offices help ensure the relevance of our work. To achieve self-reliance, poor communities need answers to questions like: How can we grow more and healthier food? Protect our health? Create jobs? A key part of Canada’s aid program since 1970, IDRC supports research in developing countries to answer these questions. IDRC also encourages sharing this knowledge with policymakers, other researchers, and communities around the world. The result is innovative, lasting local solutions that aim to bring choice and change to those who need it most. A key member of Canada’s foreign aid program, we are one of the world’s leaders in generating and applying new knowledge to meet the challenges facing poor countries. Who: We are a Canadian Crown corporation established in 1970. What: We help developing countries use science and technology to find solutions to local problems. Where: Our head office is in Ottawa. Our regional offices are located in Montevideo, Uruguay; Cairo, Egypt; Nairobi, Kenya, New Delhi, India.