Humanitarian and Development Research Initiative (HADRI)

With ongoing international scrutiny on the nexus between human security and development, there is a clear demand to understand the complexity of development challenges and how they articulate with international humanitarian interventions and aid efforts.

Within Western Sydney University’s School of Social Sciences, the Humanitarian and Development Research Initiative (HADRI) has been established with the strategic aim of pursuing research that brings to light the complexity of international responses to conflicts and disasters. The expert team of HADRI researchers investigates complex emergencies through a multidimensional lens that elucidates social, economic, political and health-related aspects of crises, highlighting connections with sustainable development interventions.

Our Mission

To conduct research that:

• Bridges the academic and practice-related aspects of humanitarian response, rehabilitation and development;

• Informs policy decisions of government, international organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders;

• Ensures synergies, innovation, and knowledge sharing & translation through collaboration with HADRI’s global partners;

• Engages with the University’s undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Humanitarian and Development Studies (HADS) to inform the learning of future development and humanitarian leaders.