Laurent Elder is the programme leader for Information and Networks (I&N) programme at Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), which aims to better understand how information networks can be used to promote open, inclusive and rights based information societies in the South.

Laurent joined IDRC in 1997 and from 1999 to 2004, he worked at the Centre’s Regional Office for West and Central Africa in Dakar, Senegal, on issues related to information and communication technologies and their use in international development, as well as on partnerships in international aid and fundraising. In 2004, Elder returned to IDRC’s headquarters in Ottawa and was named Team Leader of IDRC’s Pan Asia Networking (PAN) program initiative.

Laurent has published several articles on E-health, mobile learning, ICT policy and the potential of open development.