The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is South Africa’s statutory research agency for policy-relevant social science. In 2003, an independent panel appointed by the Minister of Science and Technology evaluated the HSRC. This publication contains the report presented by the panel. The HSRC does “social science research that makes a difference,” concerned with all aspects of development and poverty alleviation in South Africa, the region, and the rest of Africa. It undertakes collaborative, often large-scale research for government departments at national, regional, and local levels, other public entities, and local and international development agencies. Its revenue is presently derived roughly equally from its Parliamentary grant and from earnings through tenders, commissions, and funding grants.