Our research approach

Sightsavers’ research team is guided by our strategy and governance framework, which ensure our work is ethical and makes an impact.

Our research strategy

High-quality evidence and research play a key role in Sightsavers’ mission to protect sight and fight for disability rights.

Sightsavers’ research, evidence uptake and learning strategy (pdf) sets out our approach for developing a sound evidence base to support scalable and cost-effective programmes and influencing in health and inclusion.

The strategy highlights our focus on ensuring that this evidence is easily accessible and effectively used by a broad range of stakeholders both within and outside of Sightsavers. It underscores our commitment to innovation in all areas of our work.

The strategy is available in English, French and Portuguese. A summary is also available in these languages.

Key objectives in our strategy

Generate evidence

Conduct research in response to global knowledge gaps and the needs of our programmes.

Inform programmes

Maintain effective knowledge systems to integrate learning in our projects and influencing.

Share findings

Ensure effective communication of our research findings through various channels.

Keep innovating

Use digital technology to enhance our programmes and improve the way we conduct research.

We’re experts in a range of research methods

Learn about us

Our research governance framework

Sightsavers’ research strategy is complemented by our research governance framework, which outlines the guiding principles and processes we apply to all our research. This covers study protocols and methods, the tools we use, internationally accepted principles and procedures, training and safeguards around participation, independence and inclusion.

Our research is also subject to wider organisational policies and standards as set out on the policies page on our main website.

Partnerships and collaboration

To increase our impact, all our research projects are conducted in partnership with universities and other research institutions, local and international non-governmental organisations, as well as government entities in the countries where we work. Our staff are an integral part of the research design and implementation, and are involved in all stages of the research process.

Our current partners include:

National authorities

Our research is always done in close partnership with national authorities of the countries where we work, including ministries of health, education, and social welfare.

Research institutes

Kenya Institute of Special Education – KISE (Kenya)
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research – NIMR (Nigeria)
Pakistan Institute of Education – PIE (Pakistan)

Universities

Aga Khan University (Pakistan)
Alama Iqbal Open University (Pakistan)
Kenyatta University (Kenya)
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine – LSTM (UK)
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine – LSHTM (UK)
Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar – UCAD (Senegal)
Université Iba Der Thiam de Thiès – UIDT (Senegal)
University of Cambridge (UK)
University of Ghana (Ghana)
University of Health and Allied Sciences – UHAS (Ghana)
University of Reading (UK)

International organisations

Challenges Worldwide (UK)
The Carter Centre (USA)
WHO Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases – ESPEN (Switzerland)

Organisations of people with disabilities

African Youth with Disabilities Network (Sierra Leone)
Concern for the Development of Disabled Women and Children (Sierra Leone)
Fédération sénégalaise des Associations des personnes handicapées (Senegal)

Explore our current and past research

Our studies and publications

Research centre