Research. Dialogue. Impact.
FIRST is a platform for research, policy engagement and meaningful institutional collaboration, working to connect ideas, evidence and people with the questions that shape society.
Through research, field engagement, dialogue and knowledge exchange, the Foundation seeks to create spaces where diverse perspectives can come together and contribute to a deeper understanding of development, governance and social transformation.
Our Research Domains
FIRST undertakes interdisciplinary research across diverse dimensions of development, governance and social transformation.
Public Policy and Governance
Electoral Studies
Health, Nutrition and Sanitation
Education, Research and Capacity Building
Gender, Social Justice and Inclusion
Livelihood, Rural Development and Skill Development
Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development
Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Response
Digital Governance, Technology and Innovation
Field Research Studies
Field-based studies that bring research closer to communities, institutions and lived realities.
Kangra
Kangra
Kangra
Kangra
Kangra
Kinnaur
Kinnaur
Kinnaur
Neemuch
Neemuch
Neemuch
Delhi
Delhi
Delhi
Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh
Hamirpur — 2022
Haryana Election
Jharkhand
Palamo Khunti
Kangra
Kangra
Kangra
Kangra
Kangra
Kinnaur
Kinnaur
Kinnaur
Neemuch
Neemuch
Neemuch
Delhi
Delhi
Delhi
Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh
Hamirpur — 2022
Haryana Election
Jharkhand
Palamo Khunti
Policy Engagements & Institutional Collaboration
FIRST creates meaningful spaces for dialogue, knowledge exchange and collaborative engagement with institutions, researchers, practitioners, students and communities.
Research to Policy Dialogue
Creating spaces where research, evidence and policy perspectives meet.
Knowledge Exchange
Bringing together diverse perspectives across disciplines and institutions.
Building Partnerships
Developing meaningful relationships with academic and professional institutions.
Students & Scholars
Connecting emerging researchers with opportunities for learning and engagement.
Dialogue & Discussion
Encouraging critical conversations around contemporary social and policy questions.
From Ideas to Impact
Connecting institutional engagement with socially meaningful outcomes.
Research to Policy Dialogue
Creating spaces where research, evidence and policy perspectives meet.
Knowledge Exchange
Bringing together diverse perspectives across disciplines and institutions.
Building Partnerships
Developing meaningful relationships with academic and professional institutions.
Students & Scholars
Connecting emerging researchers with opportunities for learning and engagement.
Dialogue & Discussion
Encouraging critical conversations around contemporary social and policy questions.
From Ideas to Impact
Connecting institutional engagement with socially meaningful outcomes.
Announcements & Events
Discover opportunities, research initiatives, upcoming conversations and activities from the FIRST intellectual ecosystem.
Call for Student Researchers
FIRST invites students interested in empirical research, public policy and social transformation.
Research & Policy Dialogue
Join an interdisciplinary conversation exploring contemporary development, governance and society.
Student Research Initiative
Opportunities for students to engage with field-based research and evidence-driven inquiry.
FIRST Knowledge Forum
A platform for critical discussion, knowledge-sharing and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Interdisciplinary Dialogue Series
Join students, researchers and academics for an engaging conversation on contemporary development, policy and society.
View Event Details →Gallery Highlights
A glimpse into the conversations, research, people and moments that shape the FIRST intellectual ecosystem.
Research Across India
FIRST conducts field-based research across diverse regions to understand real ground realities and drive evidence-based policy solutions.
Explore All Locations →
Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
GI, Livelihood & Local Development
Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Health, Policy & Service Delivery
Delhi
Electoral Behaviour & Urban Governance
Haryana
Electoral Politics & Governance
Working with institutions across India.
Our Testimonials
Hear from students, researchers and collaborators who have been part of the FIRST journey.
Latest Publications
Explore the latest research, reports, policy briefs and publications emerging from FIRST's work.
Research, Policy & Development
2026Research, Policy & Development
Evidence-based insights on contemporary development and public policy.
READ PUBLICATION →Communities, Governance & Change
2026Communities, Governance & Change
Insights from field-based research across communities and institutions.
READ PUBLICATION →Evidence for Better Public Policy
2026Evidence for Better Public Policy
Concise evidence and recommendations for policymakers and institutions.
READ PUBLICATION →Institutions, Society & Democracy
2026Institutions, Society & Democracy
Interdisciplinary research examining institutions and democratic processes.
READ PUBLICATION →India, Development & Governance
2026India, Development & Governance
Research exploring India's changing development and governance landscape.
READ PUBLICATION →Research, Policy & Development
2026Research, Policy & Development
Evidence-based insights on contemporary development and public policy.
READ PUBLICATION →Communities, Governance & Change
2026Communities, Governance & Change
Insights from field-based research across communities and institutions.
READ PUBLICATION →Evidence for Better Public Policy
2026Evidence for Better Public Policy
Concise evidence and recommendations for policymakers and institutions.
READ PUBLICATION →