It was established in 2005 following the donation of £1.3 million to the university by the Rory and Elizabeth Brooks Foundation, one of the largest known gifts to fund poverty research in Europe.
Professor Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Prize in Economics, was the inaugural chair of BWPI's research.
BWPI provides research funding to a number of PhD and post-doctoral students as well as employing established academic staff working on aspects of poverty.
The Institute also takes a specific focus on two issues to support people out of poverty: Social protection – examining the impact of government-owned and supported systems policies and programs designed to reduce poverty and vulnerability such as cash transfers, child benefits, old age pensions and credits.
The GDI is the largest development focused teaching and research institute in Europe and emphasises the University’s commitment to addressing global inequalities.