The Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions consortium, or ASSAR, is an interdisciplinary research programme working in climate change ‘hotspots’ – environments highly sensitive to the…
Introduction to RiU at ASSAR
09/11/2017
Blog Posts
The Global Guide to Research Impact
Jesse joined Oxfam GB in September 2014 as the Programme Coordinator for Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions (ASSAR). In his position, Jesse coordinates and manages Oxfam's role as Research-into-Use (research uptake) lead partner in the ASSAR consortium. Prior to joining Oxfam, Jesse worked with international and local NGOs and the United Nations (UNESCO and UNV) in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. His work has focused on the thematic areas of climate change adaptation, resilience building, environmental sustainability, and education. Jesse holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies–Biology, and Master's degrees in both Environmental Health and Decentralised International Cooperation.
Website: https://policy-practice.oxfam.org.uk/our-people/programme-policy/jesse-demaria-kinney
Looking back at the #R2AArchive this week...
We have landed upon this 2013 piece by Jorge Benavides on what it really takes to turn research into policy.
Based on his work in Guatemala, Benavides shares 5 key lessons for influencing change:
👉 Politics matters – research alone won’t cut it.
👉 Timing is everything – wait for the right window.
👉 Choose allies wisely – coalitions amplify your impact.
👉 Play the long game – real change takes time.
👉 Frame it smartly – make it a win–win.
His takeaway? Evidence is essential—but without artful engagement, it won’t move the needle.
🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/tfxp50WAE1s (or via #R2AArchive link on Linktree) 🔗
#PolicyChange #ResearchToAction #EvidenceMatters #PolicyInfluence
🗞️ How we tell stories matters.
Our latest blog reflects on Patrick Gathara’s critique of humanitarian storytelling—and how media narratives can uphold the very power structures aid aims to dismantle.
🔍 Big questions:
🧩 Should journalists rethink the stories they tell about crisis?
🧩 Can media and humanitarians work together ethically?
A thoughtful read for anyone passionate about:
🌍 Decolonising aid
📰 Ethical journalism
📣 Amplifying local voices
🔗 Link in bio to read the full blog!
#DecoloniseAid #MediaEthics #HumanitarianNarratives #TheNewHumanitarian #StorytellingMatters #ResearchToAction
🧠✨ How do we turn research into real change for children?
@unicefinnocenti has been leading the way with their Methodological Briefs—practical guides for making evidence count.
This week #R2ARecommends Brief 6 which looks at evidence synthesis—a smart way to bring together insights from multiple studies to shape better policies and programs.
Check it out via the link in our bio 🔗
#EvidenceSynthesis #ResearchForImpact #ChildRights #KnowledgeTranslation #UNICEF #R2ARecommends
Research To Action (R2A) is a learning platform for anyone interested in maximising the impact of research and capturing evidence of impact.
The site publishes practical resources on a range of topics including research uptake, communications, policy influence and monitoring and evaluation. It captures the experiences of practitioners and researchers working on these topics and facilitates conversations between this global community through a range of social media platforms.
R2A is produced by a small editorial team, led by CommsConsult. We welcome suggestions for and contributions to the site.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Social Media