Evidence hub
A free evidence library of concise, actionable research summaries – made for real-world use.
Deep insight grounded in reality,
not assumptions
Access diverse evidence and expert feedback to design effective, locally aligned policy and programmes in international development and foreign affairs.
Our services
Effective action starts with deep understanding
Whether you’re designing a new programme, testing an idea, or preparing a proposal, Acume offers three ways to access timely, practical insight from diverse researchers with the perspectives and knowledge you need.
The problem
Acume was built to challenge the inequalities in how knowledge is produced, shared, and used to shape our world.
Structural barriers limit global representation
Systemic inequalities restrict many researchers’ ability to contribute to global discourse, while those in Europe and settler-state countries are disproportionately visible and heard.
Dominant narratives are mistaken for universal truth
Certain narratives get repeated, cited, and accepted as standard. This reinforces echo chambers and skews understanding– even when they don’t reflect realities elsewhere.
Lack of representation leads to errors and mistrust
Decisions shaped by bias or outsider perspective often miss the mark- causing blind spots, costly missteps, and a failure to deeply embody the values and needs of the communities they aim to support.
Most knowledge is locked away and unused
Even though diverse, representative research exists, its buried in lengthy, theoretical papers and shared on platforms built for academic readers. It’s hard to access, and even harder to apply to real-world decisions.
How we help
We connect NGOs and governments to experts who understand the context firsthand, including those whose insights are too often silenced
This helps foreign teams align their strategies with what’s needed on the ground, guided by lived, local, and thematic expertise.
We work with academics around the world; combining their community ties, deep research, and critical perspective to uncover what should be done differently, and how exactly to do it.
We then carefully match professional changemakers with trusted experts who offer clear, practical tailored feedback–challenging assumptions and improving decisions through culturally aligned advice.
We’re building an open library of practical impact summaries-created by researchers and freely accessible to all.
This all helps break the cycle of exclusion, making it easier for practitioners to access the right insight at the right time, and ensuring policies, programmes, and projects truly align with the communities they aim to serve.
Our community
Acume is building a shared community where researchers and practitoners support and strengthen each other’s work
Researchers
Increase the visibility, impact and reach of your work through our free summary tool. Earn income by offering one-on-one expert advice.
Both academics and professionals producing research are invited to share and sign up as a paid expert
Practitioners
Access quick evidence from our free open library. Book a one-hour expert call to get actionable advice on adapting projects to local needs and realities.
Made for NGO teams, policymakers, diplomats, journalists and anyone working on social impact or within a foreign context
How it works
One hour call to sense-check your approach
Submit your challenge
Tell us what you’re working on and where you need input – whether it’s a proposal, strategy, or implementation issue.
Or book a free consultation with our team.
Get matched
We’ll dig deeper into the exact perspective you need, and match you with the researcher who has both subject and context expertise, tailored to your brief and goals.
Get advice that fits the context
The expert will review your challenge in advance and come prepared with reflections. During the call, they’ll offer clear, tailored feedback on what needs to be adapted – and give specific, context-aware advice to strengthen your approach.
Join us
Get started
Create a free account to start sharing your research and connecting with organisations that need your expertise. It’s quick and easy to get started, and we’re here to help if you need any support along the way.