Brac University’s Governance and Development Institute among ‘Top 40 Think Tanks Worldwide’

Brac Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), an independent research and post-graduate teaching centre at Brac University, has been recognised as one of the top 40 transparency and good governance think tanks and one of the top 120 social policy think tanks in the world, said a statement released by the university this morning.

BIGD was placed in the internationally renowned 'Global Go To Think Tank Index Report' published by the University of Pennsylvania last Thursday.

It is also the only Bangladeshi research organisation to be included in the transparency and good governance category of the report, said the statement.

"We are committed to engaging in research and projects that are relevant to Bangladesh and impactful on a global scale," said Brac University Vice-Chancellor Professor Vincent Chang.

The annual ranking, published by the Think Tanks and Civil Society Program (TTCSP) at the University of Pennsylvania since 2006, compares research institutions and think tanks across the world by region, area of research, and special achievements. The 2020 rankings were compiled by evaluating perceptions submitted by nearly 4,000 policymakers, journalists, public and private donors, and functional and regional area specialists, which were then ranked and reviewed by expert panels comprised of international professionals from a spectrum of disciplines.

The category 'Top Transparency and Good Governance Think Tanks' in the report, recognises top organisations marked by their independence, neutral voice, and their specialisation in good governance research. The category of 'Top Social Policy Think Tanks' ranks leading social policy institutions that excel in research, analysis, and public engagement on a wide range of policy issues such as inequality, education, and poverty, to advance debate, facilitating cooperation between key actors in policymaking, and improving the overall quality of life.

BIGD works towards promoting innovation and improvement in governance and development processes for a just and prosperous society, by influencing policy and practice using rigorous research and by building fit-for-future capabilities through quality educational programs.

As a part of Brac University, BIGD also offers three master's level programmes (in Development Studies, Governance and Development, and Procurement and Supply Management).

Formed in 2013 through the merger of two Brac University institutes -- Institute of Governance Studies (IGS) and Brac Development Institute (BDI), BIGD underwent another evolution in 2018 when Brac transitioned its internal Research and Evaluation Division (RED) to three institutes of Brac University, including BIGD.