The CLARE Research for Impact (R4I) Hub supports the uptake of existing research so that it is better understood and used in decision-making contexts that support local adaptation needs and priorities.  

The R4I Hub was launched at COP28 to support the portfolio of CLARE research projects – as well as projects from past research investments made by the UK and Canada – to bring this knowledge into further use in countries in Africa and Asia-Pacific.  

The R4I Hub has four key focus areas:   

1. Support CLARE projects on research for impact by providing and facilitating cross-programme coordination and strengthening capacity of projects on R4I approaches. 

2. Broker existing knowledge from CLARE and predecessor climate adaptation programmes through an R4I Opportunities Fund that responds to national demands and leverages entry points identified by in-country teams. 

3. Identify and synthesise CLARE learning on R4I and share emerging CLARE lessons. 

4. Amplify CLARE knowledge and evidence into high level policy processes.  

CLARE R4I Opportunities Fund 

The R4I Hub announced the CLARE R4I Opportunities Fund at its launch at COP28.

The funding that was made available was for short-term, small-scale interventions that supported the needs of decision makers in Africa and Asia-Pacific to adapt to climate change using existing research and evidence. 

“The R4I Hub Opportunities Fund is focused on knowledge uptake, figuring out the barriers to making research usable, and addressing these with users,” said R4I Hub Principal Investigator, Suzanne Carter. 

“This approach maximises the value of past investments in research and allows for quicker responses to decision maker’s needs, equipping them with the best evidence available.” 

Maximise the uptake of learning  

The R4I Hub is hosted by SouthSouthNorth (SSN), which drives the Hub’s activities with the support of local knowledge brokers. ICLEI South Asia is working closely with the SSN team as an external partner. 

SSN has worked with CLARE research projects to encourage the sharing of peer learning and best practices. A learning agenda on how projects have integrated R4I into their projects, including a series of public webinars, is planned for 2026. 

SSN also identifies opportunities to amplify the evidence and knowledge from CLARE in regional and international policy processes. SSN has worked across the programme to author a key publication on Research for Impact (R4I) Approaches in CLARE: Bridging Science and Action.  

It has also produced thematic briefs on innovating to tackle water scarcity, addressing flood risk and building climate resilient cities and a brochure on key aspects of co-creation labs.