The Reach Alliance focuses on achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The University of Toronto's Reach Alliance expands to University of Oxford, University College London and Tecnológico de Monterrey. The initiative brings together student researchers with faculty mentors from all disciplines to investigate pressing global challenges and draw insights, through case studies, on how to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals from successful real-world programmes.
The partnership with the University of Oxford includes Saïd Business School and the Blavatnik School of Government. At the Saïd Business School, in partnership with colleagues at the University of Virginia and J-PAL (Poverty Action Lab South Asia), researchers are examining an intervention in the Indian State of Madhya Pradesh that aims to improve women’s experiences in seeking assistance from police, especially as victims of gender-based violence.
Akshay Mangla, Associate Professor in International Business at Oxford Saïd, said "Crossing the last mile of service delivery is a global challenge facing governments, businesses and civic organizations. The Reach Alliance partnership offers a valuable opportunity for academic institutions to collaborate on complex questions and produce impactful research. I hope it will lead to deeper insights on how to make frontline services work for citizens across the world."
Founded in 2015 by Professor Joseph Wong, University of Toronto's Vice-President, International, the Reach Alliance is scaling the approach to six academic institutions by 2022.
"We have much to learn from our colleagues at the University of Oxford, Tecnológico de Monterrey and University College London," said Professor Wong. "This appetite for collaboration will guide us as we continue to scale the Reach Alliance internationally."
To date, the Reach Alliance has produced 23 case studies in 16 countries. Research teams have shared lessons and insights with policymakers and practitioners, and have published findings in prestigious publications, including The Lancet, the WHO Bulletin and BMJ Global Health.