Tackling complex societal challenges requires transdisciplinary, demand-driven research delivered through international research partnerships that focus on equitable knowledge co-production. In turn, advancing research impact requires funders to foster partnerships that build capacity and rebalance relations between the Global North and South.

Drawing on lessons from the Sentinel research partnership, this briefing provides guidance for research funders, focusing on: 1) fostering a supportive research environment; 2) the design of funding calls and structures; 3) strengthening the capacities of research partnerships; and 4) embedding institutional learning in effective transdisciplinary research.