Paper details
| Paper authors | Dr. Ilja Ormel, Canadian Red Cross, Julia Hajjar, Canadian Red Cross, Dr. Salim Sohani, Canadian Red Cross, Arwen Barr, Canadian Red Cross, Representatives of the Cameroon Red Cross and Ugandan Red Cross Societies, and IFRC |
| In panel on | Strengthening Humanitarian Action Through Bottom-Up Research: Lessons from the RCRC Movement (Roundtable) |
| Paper presenter(s) will be presenting |
In-Person / |
Abstract
As public health emergencies increasingly intersect with humanitarian crises, contextually grounded research is essential to informing effective, ethical, and sustainable responses. This discussion explores the role of bottom-up operational research in strengthening epidemic preparedness, drawing on two collaborative workshops convened by the Canadian Red Cross Society, IFRC, and the Cameroon and Ugandan Red Cross National Societies respectively. Held in Uganda (September 2024) and Cameroon (June 2025), these workshops engaged National Society staff and local actors in a participatory process to develop operational research skills and initiate context-specific research initiatives. Through hands-on learning, participants explored qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, formulated research questions rooted in field realities, and aligned research priorities with programmatic needs and community concerns.In Cameroon, three pre-identified research projects were advanced; in Uganda, strategic planning supported the development of new initiatives through the Humanitarian Research Unit. Across both contexts, the workshops demonstrated how localized research can empower humanitarian actors, bridge the gap between evidence and action, and elevate community voices in health emergency preparedness. We seek to share valuable insights and Lessons Learned in embedding research in humanitarian practice and how these workshops can help to strengthen operational research in the field.
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