IGDC is a major interdisciplinary centre for research and partnership for global development based at the University of York. 

Who we are

Since 2018, IGDC has supported the University of York’s strategy and vision of a University for public good, bringing together members of our academic community who work on global development research. 

IGDC members work with partners across and beyond the University to develop innovative, interdisciplinary people-focused responses to the urgent and structural challenges of global development.

Our vision

At IGDC, we understand global development as the complex of practices, policies and possibilities that encompass worldwide socio-economic and environmental transformation.

Our emphasis on global development stems from the growing interconnectedness across the world and the emergence of socio-economic, environmental and health problems that are shared across all societies.

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Our values

Inclusivity

For us, inclusivity means an openness to a diverse range of voices and needs.

Responsibility

With this comes the responsibility to try to eliminate barriers to representation and participation.

Sustainability

Our commitment to sustainability means that we look at the impact of our own actions on the environment and the livelihoods of others and of future generations.

Integrity

We are consistent in applying to ourselves the same principles that we apply to others, and we integrate these principles in each area of our work.

Global development research at York

Our members undertake a wide range of research that looks to define and enable alternative modes of development that are inclusive and sustainable, improve the lives of future generations everywhere, and transform development policy and practices.

This research is collected around three broad themes: social justice, global health and wellbeing, and sustainable environments. IGDC also supports a cross-cutting theme on decolonising global development research.

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Enabling interdisciplinary research

IGDC aims to enable interdisciplinary research and to facilitate collaboration among academics within the University of York and globally.

We host seminars, workshops, lectures and events that support our members to develop and showcase their research and to help build interdisciplinary relationships, networks and partnership.

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Our team

Professor Jonathan Ensor
Director of IGDC

Contact: jon.ensor@york.ac.uk 

Jonathan is an applied social scientist with research interests in processes that can lead to increasingly equitable human development.

Dr Saba Joshi
Deputy director of IGDC

Contact: saba.joshi@york.ac.uk 

Dr Joshi is a Lecturer in Gender and Development in the Department of Politics and International Relations. Her research focuses on gender in international relations, land governance and agrarian change, with a geographical focus on South and Southeast Asia.