r4d Science Fair South-East Asia in Laos, 16-17 March 2023

r4d science fairs are a final regional events of the r4d programme that create moments to reach out to relevant target groups by presenting and discussing research and synthesis results emerging from different r4d research projects. This event aimed to create awareness and enable learning about evidence-based solutions to address global challenges and their take-up potential in development projects, business activities or civil society initiatives. The science fair brought together academic researchers, development practitioners, national and international organizations and other groups interested in research results and evidence-based solutions.

Role for Development Research During Global Socio-Economic Uncertainty

The regional Science Fair South-east Asia was organised in Luang Prabang, Laos from 16-17 March 2023. The event was attended by over 45 participants from Cambodia, India, Kyrgyzstan, Lao PDR, Nepal, Vietnam and Switzerland. Representatives from multiple r4d research teams from the region showcased their research focusing on socio-economic challenges in Asian countries in themes sessions and engaged in rich discussions to learn from each others’ experiences (the complete scientific program can be accessed here). The exhibition room of the science fair was structured as “market stands” to enable participants’ direct presentation of concrete research output, technologies and social interventions with help of demonstration material using laptop presentations, video-clips, posters, policy briefs, publications, handouts. Two r4d documentary films were screened alongside introductions by participating researchers during networking events on both evenings.