This issue of Caravan illustrates some of ICARDA’s strategic research — the use of new tools such as GIS, molecular markers and thermographic imaging, and new research methods in biodiversity conservation and plant breeding. It also describes applied research on water management, conservation agriculture and cropping systems. It discusses the challenges facing water policy makers, and summarizes one of the many impact assessments conducted jointly by ICARDA and its partners. And it shows how partnerships can help rebuild agricultural systems in post-conflict situations like Afghanistan.