South Research was founded in 1984 as a non-profit association. h organisation is currently being transformed into a company for social-profit (vennootschap met sociaal oogmerk). This legal form corresponds more closely to self-managed character of the organisation as well as its principle activity, the provision of remunerated services.

During its first ten years South Research mainly provided services to non-governmental development organisations and their partners in the South. Co-operation with other development organisations has gradually become more important and as from 1992 onwards South Research has been involved in collaboration with Belgian-based organisations mainly in the field of community building. The wide-ranging mix of clients in both the North and the South is now an important stimulus for innovation and constant quality improvement.

The services and expertise offered by South Research has widened and deepened over the years, with a continued emphasis on participatory and process-based approaches. South Research limits itself to providing services and is not involved in the implementation of projects or programmes.

South Research is and will remain a small-scale organisation, with no hierarchical differences between its personnel. Consultants and administrative personnel work closely together as a very stable team. South Research is a good place to work because we try to find a balance between personal aspirations and interests, the needs of the organisation and the best interests of the organisations we serve.

Where larger missions are involved, South Research regularly works with other consultants and service organisations that subscribe to the values of South Research.

South Research attaches great importance to its independence and is not bound to any interest group or political party. South Research also chooses to remain a non-subsidised organisation and thereby safeguards its own neutrality and independence. The organisation's activities are entirely financed through paid services.