The Human Rights Based Approach in research

We offer a free online training in the Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA). It is a method that is anchored in the international, regional and national human rights systems and it can be applied when you design, carry out, disseminate, monitor and evaluate research projects, policies and development projects.
The four HRBA principles - participation, accountability, non-discrimination, and transparency - guide states in ensuring of human rights for all citizens but they can equally guide researchers in how to incorporate human rights principles into every aspect of the research process.

Online training

This course introduces the learner to HRBA and how the four principles can be applied in the context of research.

The research related elements of the course has two modules, each of 15-20 minutes duration, and they can be taken independently.

Equitable research partnerships

How to support fruitful and equitable partnerships is one of Danida Fellowship Centre’s key concerns.

Equitable partnerships are grounded in reciprocity, respect, and mutual learning. They explicitly recognise and address power imbalances and inequalities, and they actively strive for fairness in all collaborative relationships.

Equitability in research partnerships must be ensured throughout all stages of a research project in order to promote mutual learning and knowledge creation among participating researchers and their institutions, and to enable meaningful impact for users of research outcomes. This includes the development of the research proposal; the organisation and management of research activities and work packages; leadership structures; the implementation of research across work packages; coordination and ongoing dialogue among partners; joint supervision of PhD students; and engagement with stakeholders. Questions of (first) authorship in research publications are also critical, particularly in relation to supporting PhD students.

Research engagement days on equal partnerships 2023

Gender sensitive research

At Danida Fellowship Centre, vi prioritise ensuring gender balance in research teams and a gender sensitive approach in research projects. We have taken several initiatives in this area both with regard to Danida-funded research projects and our own ways of working. For instance, the guidelines for the phase two research application rounds is assessed by a gender consultant – as well as a partnership consultant - to identify gaps, biases and areas for improvement. All of the phase two applications are assessed by a gender specialist.

In March 2024, the annual Danida Fellowship Centre science engagement days focused on gender imbalances in research. 50 women researchers convened at MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation (TCDC) in Arusha, Tanzania, for a seminar entitled ‘"More Women in Research" planned and implemented together with MS TCDC and YouLead Africa. The seminar produced a manifesto including a number of key recommendations for eight key stakeholder groups, one of which was donors. The recommendations provide tangible inputs as to how Danida Fellowship Centre can continue to work with gender inclusion.

In March 2024, the annual Danida Fellowship Centre science engagement days focused on gender imbalances in research. 50 women researchers convened at MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation (MS TCDC) in Arusha, Tanzania, for a seminar entitled ‘"More Women in Research". The seminar produced a manifesto including a number of key recommendations for eight key stakeholder groups, one of which was donors. The recommendations provide tangible inputs as to how Danida Fellowship Centre can continue to work with gender inclusion. The manifesto was launched during YouLead Africa 2024 at MS TCDC followed by a Mentorship Clinic targeting the next generation of women in academia.

In 2025, the More Women in Research initiative was taken to Vietnam, with another seminar. Held in Hanoi, Vietnam, the seminar brought together 30 Danida-funded researchers from Vietnam, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Denmark to exchange insights and strategies for advancing gender equity in research and academia. Following these events Danida Fellowship Centre in collaboration with Mawazo Institute has in 2026 launched an open learning and community initiative called Learn & Lead Together.

In 2026, the second clinic targeting the next generation of not only women in academia but more generally in leadership was held during YouLead Africa 2026 - and again coordinated and implemented together with MS TCDC, YouLead and the Mawazo Institute. The mentors were representatives from Danida funded research projects, the YouLead & MS TCDC network and Danida Fellowship Centre's learning course Women in Management.

Read more about the history and the outcomes of the More Women in Research engagement seminar:

Read the manifesto

Gender sensitive research talk

Explore

KNOWLEDGE AND STORIES

See all

Building Stronger Universities

18-05-26

Burkina Faso’s healthcare heroes

In rural Burkina Faso, local doctors and nurses are working under severe shortages of essential medicines, equipment, and staff. A recent study by Burkinabe and Danish researchers highlights how frontline health workers are finding practical ways to keep services running, and how they often go beyond their formal duties to support their patients.

Engagement for impact – small shifts for bigger results

Building Stronger Universities

18-05-26

Engagement for impact – small shifts for bigger results

Academic journals and conferences may be the bedrock of research, but for Danida-funded research teams it is a question of how to get research results to the people who need the evidence most. My role is to help researchers bridge the gap to ensure that research does not just end with a publication, but that it is the start of relevant conversations.

Research

01-05-26

Module 1: Get Funded: Understanding Research Grants

Funding for Research — Live Storytelling Session Read more

Research

14-04-26

Why focusing on research engagement

Most researchers want their work to make a difference, but turning research into meaningful change is not always straightforward. At Danida Fellowship Centre, we offer training for Danida-funded researchers to strengthen their communication and engagement skills so they can share their insights and knowledge outside academia.

Strengthening the Danish-African university collaboration

Knowledge and Innovation Programme

13-04-26

Strengthening the Danish-African university collaboration

We are delighted to announce the second call under the Knowledge and Innovation Programme (KIP) – a large-scale university collaboration initiative that aims to strengthen partnerships between African universities and universities in the Kingdom of Denmark.

Advancing Sustainable Animal Production and Biodiversity

Knowledge and Innovation Programme

13-04-26

Advancing Sustainable Animal Production and Biodiversity

“I can’t wait to start working with our African and European colleagues and see the first student exchanges take place. When those students graduate, I’ll know we’ve made a real impact,” says Grum Gebreyesus, coordinator of the project Advancing Sustainable Animal Production and Biodiversity. By Vibeke Quaade

The Africa, Business and Society project

Knowledge and Innovation Programme

13-04-26

The Africa, Business and Society project

“The world of business is moving faster than what we teach in our lecture rooms. We need to rethink business education and present multidimensional perspectives in our teaching,” says Professor Lindsay Whitfield, project coordinator of the Africa, Business and Society project. By Vibeke Quaade

Welcome to our new colleague, Signe Skovgaard

Our stories

13-04-26

Welcome to our new colleague, Signe Skovgaard

The Knowledge and Innovation team, from left: Signe Skovgaard, Ida Sandager Arendal, Charlotte Torp Møller, Hristina Jensen.

Partnership for Climate Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Education

Knowledge and Innovation Programme

13-04-26

Partnership for Climate Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Education

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is taking a new approach to international collaboration. The Partnership for Climate Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Education project, in partnership with the University of Nairobi, is part of the Knowledge and Innovation Programme and strengthens DTU’s long-term strategy for university-to-university partnerships in the Global South. By Vibeke Quaade

View our previous newsletters here.

Engage with us

Get inspired on our social media

Danida Fellowship Centre

Phone: (+45) 3536 1322
Mail: dfc@dfcentre.dk

VAT number: 17246011
EAN (General activities): 5798009814364
EAN (Research projects): 5798000008809

Engage with us

RESEARCH ENGAGEMENT

Training seminars and shared knowledge

Research Engagement grants

The Human Rights Based Approach in research

Equitable research partnerships

Gender sensitive research

DANIDA
RESEARCH PORTAL