There are few dedicated opportunities for the humanitarian research community to come together. Recognising this, we began hosting our Research Forum, offering a unique opportunity for the R2HC community to share knowledge and good practice from their collective experience of conducting public health research in humanitarian settings. 

Our Research Forums

Our 2017 research forum in London was in fact the first ever Forum of humanitarian public health experts. It was attended by 80 researchers, practitioners and policy makers who exchanged knowledge on a wide range of areas – from health systems to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and from psychosocial health to gender-based violence (GBV). It was evident from the level of energy and engagement how important such opportunities are. To come together as a community of practice to discuss challenges and exchange ideas, to engage in face-to-face networking, which is critical for deepening relationships and partnerships, is all essential to improving humanitarian health outcomes.  

Our following Research Forum, in 2019, built on this success. The agenda was developed with a Steering Committee drawn from our community. The programme consisted of panels, breakouts, a keynote speech on accountability to people affected by humanitarian crises and lightning talks on the topic of ‘South-North research collaboration’, along with dedicated networking space. The content aimed to engage academics, their humanitarian partners and wider stakeholders. Partnering for research impact was a prominent topic, and the voices of the research community shared their thoughts on this topic via a video series. We also produced a report and a visual summary of the key themes, conversations and outcomes. 

What did we learn?

The outcomes have been valuable in informing the strategic direction of R2HC. Priorities raised at Forums, such as R2HC’s role in convening stakeholders; our emphasis on equitable research partnerships; increasing our engagement with academics and practitioners from low- and middle-income countries; critical dialogue on health economics and cost analysis; a call for increased research accountability to communities affected by crisis; and recognition of the critical role of humanitarian ‘evidence brokers’ in research uptake has informed ongoing programmatic activities and collaborations.  

 Our 2023 Impact Evaluation noted that “Survey respondents were very positive about the [Research] fora, with one saying they had left the forum ‘buzzing with ideas’, and several others reporting that they had maintained the new contacts and networks made there. One key informant said conversations at the Forum had informed significant subsequent work.” 

What’s next?

Whilst we had hoped to hold these events biannually, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed this, though this did give us time to reflect on our approach to delivering these events. We are considering holding our next Forum in collaboration with a like-minded partner in 2025.  

Do you have ideas for our future Research Forums? Please let us know at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you.