USAID forms new partnerships

In February, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced several new partnerships aimed at supporting scientists in developing countries, combating crime and violence, and improving response to humanitarian challenges.

USAID’s Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement Research (PEER) Science program has joined National Instruments (NI) to bring cutting-edge scientific equipment, training and support to scientists in developing countries. Over the next five years, this public-private partnership will support 100 research projects in more than 80 countries. The PEER/NI supported research projects demonstrate long-term development impact, and include a wide range of development-related topics, including food security, climate change, water, biodiversity, disaster mitigation, and renewable energy.

USAID also partnered with five Salvadorian foundations to combat citizen insecurity and strengthen municipal responses to crime and violence in 50 communities in El Salvador. The partnership is part of USAID’s Central America Regional Security Initiative work, and will help reduce crime and remove impediments to economic growth. The five-year program in El Salvador will train communities in conflict prevention, offer psychological counseling in schools traumatized by violence, and increase the social investment of local private companies.

On February 21, USAID joined the Government of the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) in an initiative that will invest in cost-effective innovations to humanitarian challenges. The USAID/DFID initiative will support programs that aid in international humanitarian response and disaster preparedness by strengthening emergency health initiatives, protecting vulnerable populations, preventing and treating malnutrition, and providing safety and shelter to those effected by conflict and disaster, among other project areas.

For more information about USAID’s new partnerships, please follow the links below.
Disaster Technology: U.S. and U.K. to Fund Humanitarian Innovation, USAID
USAID Announces Largest Public-Private Partnership with Local Partners, USAID
USAID’s PEER Science Program Collaborates with National Instruments to Support Scientists in Developing Countries, USAID