Research Themes

HADRI has three main thematic research areas, all of which intersect:

Disaster Risk Management

International guidelines such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) and the SPHERE project's Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response are supporting  increasingly sophisticated community-based preparedness and response to disasters. This HADRI theme examines public policy, international standards and scholarly research within the disaster risk management (DRM) sector. The DRM theme has a particular focus on ethics and accountability, and the factors that govern their translation into operational outcomes achieved with affected communities. DRM also informs disaster epidemiology work within our research group, including population health and mental health effects of disasters, workforce support, and the research and policy frameworks that support effective linking of relief, rehabilitation and development programs.

Theme Leader: Associate Professor Garry Stevens.

For more theme related information contact Associate Professor Garry Stevens at G.Stevens@westernsydney.edu.au

Migration and Diaspora

This theme looks at humanitarian efforts with displaced populations: it investigates the social impacts of protracted displacement, including social cohesion, and considers the effects of barriers to services such as education, healthcare, and employment. The role of local and international actors in shaping the humanitarian response and the integration of displaced groups into host communities are explored. The theme also examines the contributions and transnational connections of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in relief and development efforts, exploring the social, cultural and economic impacts that diaspora communities provide in these contexts. During times of natural disaster, human-induced disaster and complex emergencies, diaspora communities have proven to be key partners in the provision of humanitarian aid and development, liaising with governments in affected countries, donor states and international organisations. Additionally, this theme works on issues and debates impacting migrant communities settled in Australia to inform program and policy.

Theme Leader: Dr Melissa Phillips.

For more theme related information contact Dr Melissa Phillips at melissa.phillips@westernsydney.edu.au

Sustainable Development and Human Security

The theme focuses on a holistic understanding of sustainable development through a human security lens. It addresses key global challenges such as poverty, gender inequality, global health, education, decent employment, food security, environmental protection, and climate change. By emphasising inter-generational equity, the theme recognises the need to preserve resources for future generations while ensuring that current needs are met. Research within this theme integrates the areas of food systems, gender, health and well-being, and urbanisation, exploring cultural preservation in humanitarian settings and responses. It also encourages rethinking safe spaces and reimagining development to address emerging threats to livelihoods and well-being, including climate change and extreme weather events, armed conflicts and political instability, foreign interference and transnational repression, food insecurity and famine, water scarcity and resource depletion, and human trafficking and forced labour.

Theme Leader: Dr Nidhi Wali

For more theme related information contact Dr Nidhi Wali at N.wali@westernsydney.edu.au

HADRI research informs teaching into the Bachelors and Masters degrees in Humanitarian and Development Studies.

HADRI runs research training and monitoring and evaluation workshops for its research partners.