Our Aims and Objectives

We are the UK association for all those who research, study and teach global development issues

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What is Development Studies

What is development studies and decolonising development.

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Our Members

We have around 1,000 members, made up of individuals and around 40 institutions

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Governance

Find out about our constitution, how we are run and meet our Council

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People

Meet our Council members and other staff who support the running of DSA

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About

The DSA Conference is an annual event which brings together the development studies community

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DSA2026

Our conference this year is themed "Reimagining Development: Power, Agency, and Futures in an Uncertain World"

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Past Conferences

Find out about our previous conferences

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Study Groups

Our Study Groups offer a chance to connect with others who share your areas of interest

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Students and ECRs

Students and early career researchers are an important part of our community

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Publications

Our book series with OUP and our relationship with other publishers

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Decolonising Development

The initiatives we are undertaking that work towards decolonising development studies

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Membership Directory

Find out who our members are, where they are based and the issues they work on

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DSA Institutional Members’ Opportunities

The Development Studies Association is the membership association for a diverse community of researchers and educators who identify with development, across all departments. We link 35 leading UK and international development centres and publishers. Membership provides your institute with a platform for increased visibility, peer exchange, and professional development. 

1. Visibility for your centre’s work

Your centre’s teaching, research, or practice news can be shared with a global community of over 3,000 newsletter subscribers and an even wider audience via our social media networks.

  • Newsletter and social media: A monthly newsletter features new books, policy briefs, alumni achievements or project updates. Our social media (LinkedIn, BlueSky, Twitter, and Facebook) amplifies this news and drives greater engagement. .
  • Member Spotlights: We offer a short interview with Heads of Centres leading to a story that can highlight specific milestones or strategic priorities.
  • DSA Blog: We welcome contributions on specialist topics relevant to the wider community, as well as reflections.

2. Strategic collaboration 

  • Partnering on events: We organise bi-annual webinars on issues of interest to the wider community and professional development 
  • Heads of Centres meeting: An annual, informal forum for peer exchange on shared challenges—from navigating the REF to managing funding challenges..
  • Collective advocacy: We represent the sector in consultations with bodies such as the ESRC, REF, and HEFCE, and on issues impacting higher education.

3. Developing the profession 

  • Recognition: Eligibility for the annual DSA thesis and dissertation prizes.
  • Student Network: Dedicated student representatives as part of a student-led initiative with access to funding. 
  • Professional development: online multidisciplinary sessions to develop skills and enhance understanding on cross sector issues.  

4. Conference and membership benefits

  • Discounted attendance: Up to six discounted places at the DSA annual conference (online or in-person), based on your institution’s size.
  • Advertising: Member institutions receive priority for advertising and sponsorship opportunities at our annual conference.

For more information on any of these opportunities email [email protected]