Program Synopsis   

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the U.S. Government’s preeminent foreign assistance agency. The agency is dedicated to helping nations meet the needs of their citizens by providing health-care, education, and economic opportunity to end extreme poverty and promote democratic, resilient societies. The Innovation, Technology, and Research (ITR) Hub of the agency's Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation leads USAID’s use of field experimentation, open innovation, and digital technology to transform development approaches. The Hub remains on the forefront of science and technology to incorporate breakthrough innovations into USAID’s programs and policies, and applies the latest tools, like artificial intelligence and impact bonds, to address key development priorities. A key element of this strategy is the support of scientific and technological research, which from 2011 to 2024 was carried out through the Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) program. PEER was a competitive awards program that invited scientists in developing countries to apply for funds to support research and capacity-building activities on topics of importance to USAID and conducted in partnership with U.S. Government (USG)-funded and selected private sector partners. The program was supported by USAID but implemented by the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (referred to as the National Academies).

Through PEER, the ITR Hub leveraged investments by other USG-supported agencies and private sector companies in scientific research and training in order to enhance the development priorities of USAID. The USG-funded partners involved in PEER projects contributed to the scientific merit and impact of PEER projects through expertise, skills, methodologies, laboratory access, and synergies with ongoing projects.

The PEER program extended its reach across the U.S. science community to include the following partner agencies: NASA, NIH, NOAA, NSF, USDA Agricultural Research Service, USDA Forest Service, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USGS, and the Smithsonian Institution. This exciting opportunity expanded the scope of research supported under PEER and created more opportunities for cross-disciplinary and multi-sectoral research collaborations. 


Role of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

PEER was implemented by a dedicated team of staff at the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (referred to as the National Academies) who  managed the proposal review process and disbursed and monitored grants awarded.