At the recent Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development, CCAFS Scientists have been incredibly busy and engaged, presenting work on climate models; participatory approaches such as scenario development and Participatory Social Return on Investment (PSROI); and empowering women farmers. Our intrepid social reporter, Caity Peterson from CIAT, blogged from the CCAFS sessions, and also shared insights from the conference on the value of partnerships; and the importance of demand-driven research.