Last year was transformative for the RDI Network. We launched our Strategic Plan, hosted the RDI Exchange with 275+ participants from 16 countries, welcomed new Board Directors, and began transitioning to a paid membership model. Each of these milestones reflects our commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable network.
But transformation isn’t just about what we decide internally. As we step into 2026, we want to share what we’ve heard from you – and what we’re doing about it.
In December 2025, we ran an end-of-year survey to understand what’s working and what you need from us in 2026. Members of our community took the time to share detailed feedback – from academics and practitioners to consultants and government representatives across Australia, the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
Thank you. Your insights are shaping everything we do this year.
What you value most
When we asked what benefit you currently receive from being connected to the RDI Network, clear themes emerged:
- Community and connection matter. Many of you highlighted the value of being part of a network of people who share your passion for development research and practice. Events like the RDI Exchange create rare opportunities to connect across sectors and borders.
- Information and awareness keep you engaged. You appreciate our events, resources, and staying informed about sector trends. This is especially valuable in a field where things move quickly and staying current is challenging.
- Sectoral leadership on issues like decolonisation and evidence-based development. You recognise the RDI Network’s role in championing ethical, locally-led research, and you want us to keep pushing on these issues.
What you need from us
Your suggestions for how we can increase the benefit you receive were equally clear:
- More opportunities to connect. You want local networking events across Australia, more online gatherings, and regular workshops.
- Curated, accessible resources. You’re looking for platforms that organise up-to-date research on key themes like locally-led development, GESI, climate action, and ethical research methods. You also want clearer information about what resources are available and how to access them.
- Stronger advocacy and influence. You asked for the RDI Network to play a bigger role in promoting the role of evidence in development effectiveness.
- Clear, regular communication. You need transparency about what the Network is doing, what paid membership includes, and how you can engage.
- Thematic focus areas. Gender equality, social inclusion, climate action, and decolonial research methods topped the list of themes you want us to focus on.
What we’re doing about it
Here’s what we’re prioritising in 2026:
- Building more connection opportunities. Our Exchange Insights series continues, bringing practitioners and researchers together online for focused conversations. We’re also planning in-person activities throughout the year. These won’t be big conferences – they’ll be smaller, more accessible gatherings designed to foster genuine connection.
- Making resources easier to find and use. We’re rebuilding our website to improve navigation and accessibility. We’re also working on curating resources around the themes you care most about.
- Strengthening our communication. Starting this year, we’ll be reintroducing more regular email communications with our community. We’re also being more active on LinkedIn with updates, resources, and opportunities to engage. If you’re not following us there yet, now’s a good time.
- Clarifying our membership model. As you know, our transition to paid membership is underway. We’re working on backend systems and will continue sharing information about what membership includes and why it matters for the Network’s sustainability.
- Advocacy and sector leadership. We’re exploring ways to strengthen our engagement with key sector stakeholders, and we’ll continue championing locally-led, decolonial, and ethical research practices through our platforms.
Keep the conversation going
This survey was the start of an ongoing conversation, not the end of it. We’ll continue checking in throughout the year to make sure we’re on track.
If you have ideas, feedback, or want to get more involved, we want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] or reach out via LinkedIn.
Thank you for being part of this community and for helping shape what we build together in 2026.
