This conference is organized and financed by the Solution Oriented Research for Development Programme (SOR4D), a joint funding instrument between the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). The overarching goal of the SOR4D program 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 to:
‒ 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.

The conference will focus on the overarching theme "Advancing Transdisciplinary Research for Global Development: Crisis, Collaboration, and Change" through three interlinked subthemes: 1) “Converging Knowledge Systems: Dialogue Between Tradition, Science, and Practice”; 2) “Transformative Research: Solutions and Innovation in Crises”; and 3) “Shaping scalable solutions in real-world contexts”.

Deadline for submissions: 19 January 2026