Our research is rigorous, accessible and relevant – bridging the gap between academia and practice.
We know humanitarian actors in Asia and the Pacific have much to offer the global discourse, which is why we partner with regional experts and organisations across the sector to elevate their thinking and connect it to the global conversation. We are committed to reimagining the boundaries, purpose, relevance and usefulness of research in the sector.
Understanding how the global pandemic is impacting on humanitarian aid has shaped much of our recent research. We have focused on the opportunities for local leadership in Myanmar and explored recent humanitarian responses in the region like Cyclone Harold.
We also have ongoing research on how the humanitarian sector can better support efforts to address climate change. Our research includes our flagship Humanitarian Horizon Research Program, and also research for partners and independent think pieces, like our recent publication on what to consider when responding to a massive emergency during COVID-19.
We are uniquely placed to bridge the gap between academia and practice, and we draw on both areas in our research. Committed to research that is continuously informed by practitioner needs and priorities, it is our goal to ensure our work is accessible, applicable and relevant.
As an organisation, we are committed to ethical research practices. We adhere to the ACFID Principles and Guidelines for Ethical Research and Evaluations, and specific country-level ethical research requirements. Our team is trained in ethical research approaches both academically and at the sector-level, and are expert members of the Research for Development Impact Network. Our methodologies are rigorous, producing high-quality research that is guided, and reviewed by experts and our peers across the sector.
Elevating, and drawing on local research expertise is vital. The contextual knowledge, and guidance on approaches and ethics provided by our local research partnership are critical. Working with local partners and researchers to facilitate local ownership of outputs means local researchers are actively involved at all stages, from design through to dissemination and communication.
Within Myanmar, COVID-19 has opened up many opportunities to progress localisation, but at the same time exacerbated existing challenges. One of the central challenges that has emerged is the disconnect between international and national actors in coordinating the response and the impact of the imbalance of power and representation. There is increased interest and opportunity to unpack implications, challenges and opportunities for greater locally-led humanitarian response in Myanmar emerging from COVID-19 conditions. This research sought to understand COVID-19 impacted the localisation of humanitarian aid in Myanmar, explore the opportunities and challenges in relation to localisation that emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic condition.
