Institute of Science and Technology for Development

Building on our core values, the Institute of Science and Technology for Development's approach is collaborative. We know transformative ideas and solutions come from academic perspectives and from the perspectives of those who live inside a community. Expertise is layered with many kinds of individual experiences. As an integral part of WPI's Global Initiatives and the work of The Global School, the Institute of Science and Technology for Development seeks to advance the ways science and technology can solve pressing global problems from the individual to the global level.

To meet these goals, we foster alliances between communities, private sector firms, NGOs, government, and universities from around the world. We collaborate with our community to identify challenges, develop co-produced design solutions, cultivate the necessary resources to sustain these solutions. Education and job training are part of the way we design this work. Whether in North America, sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, or Australasia, our teams of thinkers and doers develop authentic partnerships with communities and other stakeholders to co-create sustainable outcomes.

 

A New Approach

The community represents a new generation of thinkers. We are global citizens who are concerned with the social and environmental problems associated with development, gender inequality, economic opportunity, and development policy. As a result, the Institute of Science and Technology for Development uses cross-cultural design principles to develop appropriate solutions by merging traditional science, engineering, and other knowledge. The solutions may be technological, behavioral, or policy-oriented to meet the needs and goals of communities and people facing challenges to their economic security, dignity, and a safe environment.

 

Our Teams

The research teams will become partnerships with researchers, educators, NGOs, and donors around the world. They will create change using specialized technical and focused social and business expertise. This work is mutually supportive and crosses the boundaries of traditional science and engineering. As teams bring in different knowledge and experience, they develop responsible, sustainable, and culturally-appropriate solutions to global problems that integrate social science, engineering, and business. Our partnerships create and evaluate technological interventions and assess cutting-edge approaches as the field of development engineering continues to evolve.