#  Humanitarian Research at Harvard 

 



       ![people walking in valley](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/research-landing.jpg?itok=LqF4pJhD) 

 

 



 

 



 

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 

 [ Learn more about Humanitarian Strategies arrow\_circle\_right ](/humanitarian-strategies) 

 



  [### Evaluation and Implementation Science

 ](/evaluation-and-implementation-science)Develops assessment strategies to address the needs of individuals, families, and populations affected by war, conflict, and natural disaster



 

   ![eval_implementation_thumb](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/eval_implementation_thumb.jpg?itok=mPwUQYj0) 

 

 

 

  [### Transitional Justice

 ](/transitional-justice)Provides evidence that will make existing transitional justice instruments more effective and explores alternative approaches to transitional justice



 

   ![transitional_justice_thumb_04](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/transitional_justice_thumb_04.jpg?itok=YF9SuFKK) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

##  Risk, Resilience, and Response 

 [ Learn more about Risk, Resilience, and Response arrow\_circle\_right ](/risk-resilience-and-response) 

 



  [### Gender, Rights and Resilience

 ](/gender-rights-and-resilience)Investigates and addresses issues relating to gender, peace, and security in fragile states



 

   ![gender_rights_resilience_thumb](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/gender_rights_resilience_thumb.jpg?itok=75xzNEGz) 

 

 

 

  [### Peace and Human Rights Data

 ](/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



 

   ![peace_and_hr_data_thumb](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/peace_and_hr_data_thumb.jpg?itok=vSdq2oGo) 

 

 

 

  [### Program on Resilient Communities

 ](/program-resilient-communities)Strengthens climate and disaster resilience through collaborative research, engagement, and translation of evidence into action



 

   ![resilient_communities_thumb](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/resilient_communities_thumb.jpg?itok=m5_m2Guw) 

 

 

 

  [### Emergency Health Systems

 ](/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



 

   ![Emergency Health Systems](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/ehs_thumbnail.jpg?itok=8TLAbR8E) 

 

 

 

  [### Children in Crisis

 ](/children-crisis)Addresses the critical needs of crisis-affected children and youth in humanitarian context



 

   ![children_in_crisis_thumb](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/children_in_crisis_thumb.jpg?itok=NjKfrolk) 

 

 

 

  [### Indigenous Health Disparities

 ](/program-indigenous-health-disparities)Seeks to improve the health of indigenous communities and eliminate existing health disparities



 

   ![Window Rock in Navajo Nation, AZ](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/window_rock_indigenous_health_card.jpg?itok=oNdxXdMa) 

 

 

 

  [### Diabetes in Humanitarian Crises

 ](/diabetes)Seeks to address the heavy burden of chronic disease in humanitarian settings



 

   ![non_comm_disease_thumb.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/non_comm_disease_thumb.jpg?itok=o2rxaI2V) 

 

 

 

  [### Local Engagement and Response Network (LEARN)

 ](/local-engagement-and-response-network-learn-program)Addresses the critical gaps in the capacity of Local and National Non-Governmental Organizations as first responders to infectious disease outbreaks in humanitarian settings.



 

   ![learn_hero_image.png](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/learn_hero_image.png?itok=a7Dzav08) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

##  Technology and Innovation 

 [ Learn more about Technology and Innovation arrow\_circle\_right ](/technology-and-innovation) 

 



  [### KoBoToolbox

 ](/kobotoolbox)A suite of tools for field data collection for use in challenging environments



 

   ![kobo_thumb](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/kobo_thumb.jpg?itok=AmQcVnvt) 

 

 

 

  [### Humanitarian Geoanalytics

 ](/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



 

   ![geoanalytics_thumb](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/geoanalytics_thumb.jpg?itok=4EfrnMut) 

 

 

 

  [### DataPop

 ](https://datapopalliance.org/)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.



 

   ![DataPop Logo](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/datapop_thumb.jpg?itok=HGJxUxGB) 

 

 

 

  [### Signal Program

 ](/signal-program)Advances the safe, ethical, and effective use of information technologies by communities of practice during humanitarian and human rights emergencies



 

   ![signal_thumb](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/signal_thumb.jpg?itok=7i8DuEN_) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

##  Past Programs 

 



  [### Urbanization and Resilience

 ](/urbanization-and-resilience)Investigates urban environments and crises to allow individuals, households, communities and cities to thrive



 

   ![urbanization_thumb.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/urbanization_thumb.jpg?itok=eeco4A7P) 

 

 

 

  [### Education in Crisis

 ](/education-crisis)Advances the science of education in conflict through innovative, collaborative and multidisciplinary research



 

   ![edu_in_crisis_thumb_01.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/edu_in_crisis_thumb_01.jpg?itok=CpBs11Yp) 

 

 

 

  [### Infectious Diseases and Epidemics Program

 ](/infectious-diseases-and-epidemics-program)Aims to reduce the impact of infectious disease on vulnerable populations



 

   ![Man with map](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/idep_thumbnail.jpg?itok=AieumM_F) 

 

 

 

  [### Strategies in Policy Analysis and Negotiation

 ](/humanitarian-negotiation-strategies)Fosters innovative responses to current challenges to humanitarian protection by capturing new approaches and insights of practitioners through informal, professional exchange



 

   ![boy on bike](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/humanitarianinitiative/files/span_thumbnail.jpg?itok=7oK4JM3n) 

 

 

 

  [### Global Childhood Cancer

 ](/global-childhood-cancer)Applies evidence-based theoretical models, public health frameworks, and research methodologies t to design and implement the diverse portfolio of projects



 

   ![Global Childhood Cancer](/sites/g/files/omnuum6866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-05/19_-_scott_a_woodward_dsc4862_egypt.jpg?itok=pyrNyXoF) 

 

 

 

  [### Scholars at Risk

 ](/hhi-scholars-risk)Dedicated to helping scholars, artists, writers, and public intellectuals from around the world escape persecution and continue their work by providing ten-month-long academic fellowships at Harvard University