Humanitarian Research at Harvard

Since 2005, HHI has served as the humanitarian research hub at Harvard University bringing together world-renowned faculty, scholars, and experts from all Harvard Schools and Teaching Hospitals. Our research strategy aims to address the core drivers of humanitarian emergencies, investigate effective humanitarian responses and contribute to the translation of research into policy and operational changes. Our research team conducts cutting-edge research that improves and transforms humanitarian policy and programming, and we partner with researchers from around the world to translate research findings into the field and bring meaningful social impact. Our established role within the Harvard ecosystem, multidisciplinary nature of our research portfolio, active collaboration with other Interfaculty Initiatives, recognition within the global humanitarian arena, and convening power has allowed HHI to be the leading source of evidence-based humanitarian research and translation at Harvard University.

In our research, HHI programs explore topics critical to communities affected by crises, such as disaster preparedness, risk resilience, humanitarian negotiation, gender-based violence, program evaluation, and the ethical use of data in humanitarian settings. HHI has been particularly active in identifying and developing emerging trends and themes in the sector: the humanitarian triple nexus, the localization of aid, the proliferation of digital technologies, and the negotiation and leaderships skills necessary to manage complex emergencies.

Humanitarian Strategies

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Evaluation and Implementation Science

Develops assessment strategies to address the needs of individuals, families, and populations affected by war, conflict, and natural disaster

Transitional Justice

Provides evidence that will make existing transitional justice instruments more effective and explores alternative approaches to transitional justice

Risk, Resilience, and Response

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Gender, Rights and Resilience

Investigates and addresses issues relating to gender, peace, and security in fragile states

Peace and Human Rights Data

Conducts research and builds capacity in countries experiencing complex emergencies and serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law

Program on Resilient Communities

Strengthens climate and disaster resilience through collaborative research, engagement, and translation of evidence into action

Emergency Health Systems

Works to bridge the gap between system development and humanitarian response and improve the quality and access of emergency care for those who need it most

Children in Crisis

Addresses the critical needs of crisis-affected children and youth in humanitarian context

Indigenous Health Disparities

Seeks to improve the health of indigenous communities and eliminate existing health disparities

Diabetes in Humanitarian Crises

Seeks to address the heavy burden of chronic disease in humanitarian settings

Local Engagement and Response Network (LEARN)

Addresses the critical gaps in the capacity of Local and National Non-Governmental Organizations as first responders to infectious disease outbreaks in humanitarian settings.

Technology and Innovation

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KoBoToolbox

A suite of tools for field data collection for use in challenging environments

Humanitarian Geoanalytics

Leverages the potential of geospatial data and analytics to introduce new ways of thinking, identify targets for micro-planning and research, and optimize resource allocation for cost-effective programming

DataPop

Works to ensure that Big Data serves the interests of people across the globe, especially those of poor and vulnerable populations. Links to an external site.

Signal Program

Advances the safe, ethical, and effective use of information technologies by communities of practice during humanitarian and human rights emergencies