About CSR
Malawi's oldest research centre — advancing evidence-based policy since 1979.
A Legacy of Social Science Research
The Centre for Social Research (CSR) is the oldest research centre in the University of Malawi, established in 1979 with technical and financial support from the United Nations Children's Education Fund (UNICEF). It is a research and training arm of the Faculty of Social Science which comprises six departments: Economics, Population Studies, Political and Administrative Studies, Sociology, Psychology and History.
The Centre seeks to exploit and foster the intrinsic strength of an interdisciplinary approach to research across the social sciences at the University of Malawi.
Our Objectives
Undertake applied social science research to generate robust evidence on pressing development problems facing the country and channel this evidence to policy makers and planners.
Promote scholarship, policy dialogue and exchange of knowledge through organising local and regional conferences, seminars and workshops.
Engage in critical social science research that connects research endeavours into local, national and international contexts.
Carry out research rooted in local communities, compiling and disseminating results in national, regional and international outlets, policy briefs, and working papers.
Mount specialised short training courses in social science research targeting early-career and senior staff in academia, government agencies, and independent organisations.
Our Vision
A leading centre of excellence in social science research and capacity building for scholarship and public policy engagement in Malawi and sub-Saharan Africa.
Our Mission
Promotes and conducts cutting-edge academic and applied social science research and capacity building for knowledge generation and public policy development in partnership with local and international institutions.
Our Values
Excellence
Delivering consistently high quality research, consultancies, short-courses, and outreach activities.
Professionalism
Setting the highest standards grounded in proficiency, competency and reliability coupled with dedication and team excellence.
Leadership
Striving for scholarship that changes lives through policy and deepening understanding of societal dynamics.
Innovation
Dedicated to discovery of new ideas, practical translation of these ideas, and collaboration across disciplines.
Integrity
Acting in an honest, fair and ethical manner that fosters a culture of trust in all activities and decision-making.
Teamwork
Creating interdisciplinary, synergistic and collegial relationships characterised by honesty, partnership and flexibility.
Accountability
Ensuring academic, pragmatic and fiscal integrity and value for money through prudent management of entrusted resources.
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