UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
The University of Edinburgh, an internationally renowned centre of academic excellence, works with PISCES through two of its research institutes. The Institute for Energy Studies (IES) has a long involvement with energy and environment related projects in developing countries, including PhD studies of environmental and social impacts of hydro projects. It has active awards in renewable energy research totaling £7M+. IES co-hosts the UK Energy Research Centre, with responsibility for 'Future Sources of Energy' theme; and conducts road-mapping on R&D requirements for future energy technologies. IES studies of climate impacts, liquid fuel synthesis, renewable energy-driven desalination and hybrid renewable energy have relevance and applicability in E. Africa and the Indian subcontinent. IES also hosts a Sustainable Energy Systems MSc.
The Centre of African Studies (CAS) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in research on Africa, with expertise in S&T policy, ICT for development, and technology transfer. The Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS) also researches social impacts of technology, and both centres have a history of working with DFID. Their expertise is complemented by the Science Studies Unit, the Institute for the Study of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Research Centre for the Social Sciences and the Centre for the Study of Environmental Change and Sustainability. These Centres form the largest body of expertise on science and technology studies in the UK. These Centres also host a wide variety of Masters' degrees relevant to PISCES’ mission.
PRACTICAL ACTION CONSULTING UK
Practical Action Consulting is the new name for Intermediate Technology Consultants (ITC). For over 35 years PAC has provided development consultancy services as the consulting arm of the international NGO Practical Action, formerly Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG). PAC provides high quality independent and professional advice to governments, NGOs, aid agencies and the private sector.
Practical Action Consulting operates regional offices in the UK, Eastern and Southern Africa and South Asia, staffed with experienced development experts. These offices have enabled the development of extensive local networks with a range of development practitioners. PAC also draws on the skills and expertise of over 400 development professionals working on regional development programmes, based at offices in Bangladesh, Kenya, Nepal, Peru, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Zimbabwe. The longstanding engagement in technologies and developing countries has enabled PAC to build up an extensive network of over 600 international consultants, managed from the head office in the UK. Standards of performance are ensured through formal and transparent reporting mechanisms ensuring a high and consistent level of quality.
PAC’s philosophy of “small is beautiful” is carried through into the approach to technological solutions. PAC is committed to engagement in projects which show a longterm pro-poor impact. Practical Action Consulting staff use participatory methods and engage with stakeholders at all levels. Working with institutions, civil society and poor isolated communities in rural and urban locations to achieve sustainable solutions and improvements in livelihoods. PAC unique knowledge base of development practitioners working in-country gives an invaluable insight into the practical applications of technology to problems faced by poor people in developing countries. PAC works in partnership with other organisations and is experienced in complex, multidisciplinary projects.
PAC works in the following sectors:
• Energy
• Transport
• Irrigation, Water and Sanitation
• Agro-processing and food production
• Disaster mitigation.
• ICTs
• Housing and shelter
• Integrated urban development
• Business development
• Services / SMEs
PAC expertise in these sectors includes technology assessment and feasibility studies; social and economic analysis; market appraisals; due diligence surveys; policy option assessments; private and public sector involvement; institutional and organisational development.
In addition to technical skills, PAC offers high quality project management and delivery services such as: proposal development; project management; programme design and delivery; participatory methodology; formulation of strategy and action plans; training and facilitation; knowledge dissemination and management; capacity building at all levels; monitoring and evaluation.
Role in PISCES: PAC activities in PISCES focuses around the topic “Access and Delivery”. |
