135 million need humanitarian aid globally.
We’re engineering a better future for them.
About our work
We see settlements as increasingly complex socio-technical systems that are becoming ever more interconnected. Our research sits at the nexus of engineering and social inquiry, seeking to transform our understanding of how organizations and infrastructure can create a safer, more equitable world.
MISSION
To protect lives and promote human development by catalysing evidence on humanitarian programming through rigorous research and outreach.
VISION
We envision a safe and prosperous world where all communities have equitable access to basic infrastructure services.
CORE VALUES
What we stand for matters.
ETHICAL
We value integrity. We protect the people that participate in our research and ensure we are in accordance with relevant legislation, codes and guidelines.OUTREACH
We recognize the importance of connecting with practice. We are committed to disseminating our research to ensure that it is understood, applied, and present in global dialogues.PARTNERSHIP
We believe we can accomplish more together than alone. We value diversity and new ideas in teamwork. Ingenuity comes from collaboration, not isolation.ACCOUNTABILITY
We accept responsibility for our work and own the outcomes. We are committed to delivering agreed upon outputs in a timely manner.RIGOR
We produce defensible research and quality evidence. Validity is central in all we do.LEARN BY DOING
We believe the best path to learning is by dipping our feet in the water. We treasure lifelong learning, brought about by continuing to dive into the unknown.RESEARCH THEMES
See our current projects for more on our thematic areas.
Humanitarian Shelter and Settlements
Shelter is a central part of our daily lives. It offers protection, fosters livelihoods, and acts as a social hub. Our work is understanding how we can provide more desirable and durable solutions to enable long-term recovery in the aftermath of disaster.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience
Disasters are not a natural phenomena, they are born of risk and vulnerability. Our research is exploring the links accross discplinary boundaries to understand what makes communities more resilient to hazards in the face of a changing climate.
Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development
Billons of people struggle to meet their basic needs every day. Our research is looking at the role infrastructure, and the organisations delivering these services, has to play in fostering a sustainable future that is equitable for all.
