Decision 9/CP.11 (FCCC/CP/2005/5/Add.1) lay the foundation for the research dialogue and requested the SBSTA to regularly consider research needs and systematic observation relating to the Convention.

SBSTA 26 (FCCC/SBSTA/2007/4, paragraph 47) agreed to develop and maintain the research dialogue in the context of decision 9/CP.11. Relevant research programmes and organizations were invited to regularly inform the SBSTA of developments in research activities to support the needs of the Convention, including: emerging scientific findings, research planning activities, research priorities and gaps, research capacity building activities particularly in developing countries, regional climate change research networks and relevant communication issues.

Decision 16/CP.17 (FCCC/CP/2011/9/Add.2) urges Parties, in particular developing country Parties, and invites regional and international research programmes and organizations active in climate change research to utilize the research dialogue as a forum for:

(a) Discussing needs for climate change research and research-related capacity-building, particularly those of developing countries, to support the work of the Convention;
(b) Conveying research findings and lessons learned from activities undertaken by regional and international research programmes and organizations of relevance to the Convention.

Tenth meeting (RD10), in conjunction with SBSTA 48 (30 Apr -10 May 2018), date to be confirmed

Ninth meeting (RD9), SBSTA 46, 10 May 2017

Eighth meeting (RD8), SBSTA 44, 19 May 2016

Seventh meeting (RD7), SBSTA 42, 4 June 2015

Sixth meeting, SBSTA 40, 7 June 2014

Fifth meeting, SBSTA 38, 4 June 2013

Fourth meeting, SBSTA 36, 19 May 2012

Third meeting, SBSTA 34, 2-3 June 2011

Second meeting, SBSTA 32, 3 June 2010

First meeting, SBSTA 30, 3 June 2009

The Adaptation Exchange