Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is growing and evolving daily. In May, USAID’s Research Technical Assistance Center brought together more than 80 experts in IA and international development to discuss digital tools and the future of international development. This meeting was an opportunity to discuss AI, its potential, and the challenges that need to be managed when applying AI in development initiatives.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Ticora V. Jones, the Director of the Center for Development and Research within the Global Development Lab at USAID to discuss power of partnerships to advance development solutions. Excerpts below offer Dr. Jones’ insights on her vision for the Research Technical Assistance Center, the role of partnerships with academic researchers, and the value in diversity of perspective and experience.

In spring 2019, I had the privilege of working with an energetic team of public health faculty and graduate students at the University of Indonesia led by Professors Asri Adissamita and Hadi Pratomo. Under USAID’s Research Technical Assistance Center, the UI team received specialized technical assistance to develop a Research-to-Action Plan to promote the use of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)

Through USAID’s Research Technical Assistance Center (RTAC), a research team is collaborating to identify and advance effective investment solutions for Nigeria and Uganda’s Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs)—commercially viable businesses with five to 250 employees seeking between $20,000 and $2 million in investment capital.

Under USAID’s RTAC, the Institute of International Education (IIE) is creating cross-border connections between higher education institutions, faculty, and students to cultivate research collaboration, build capacity, and exchange ideas. IIE is advancing RTAC’s objective of promoting new and inclusive partnerships between USAID and academic researchers in three key ways: Building a global network of university […]

February 11th is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. To mark the day, the Research Technical Assistance Center is featuring female scientists from the network on our website. Learn more about how they are promoting evidence-based decision making to advance women’s empowerment and reduce gender inequality. Name: Magda Hinojosa Title: Associate Professor […]

Serving as a strategic resource to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Research Technical Assistance Center (RTAC) leverages the scientific expertise of academic researchers from across the globe to promote evidence-based policies and programs. Through research, specialized training, and short-term technical assistance, RTAC will advance the impact of USAID’s development investments in […]

​CHICAGO, August 2, 2018 — The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded a contract valued at up to $24 million to NORC at the University of Chicago to establish a Research Technical Assistance Center (RTAC). RTAC is under the portfolio of USAID’s Higher Education Solutions Network programs managed by USAID’s Global Development Lab. RTAC will run from […]

USAID COMMITS $24 MILLION TO ESTABLISH RESEARCH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER For Immediate Release Thursday, August 2, 2018 Office of Press Relations Telephone: +1.202.712.4320 | Email: [email protected] The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed up to $24 million to establish a Research Technical Assistance Center (RTAC) at the University of Chicago’s independent research organization, […]