Webinar - Research in crisis affected contexts

This webinar aims to support researchers in Switzerland who are preparing or considering an application for the current call launched by the Leading House MENA. Beyond providing technical and contextual information about the call, the webinar seeks to engage researchers whose expertise could be valuable in crisis-affected settings, even if they have not yet worked in such contexts.

Research in fragile environments can play a crucial role not only in generating knowledge, but also in informing action, guiding policy, fostering dialogue, and supporting community participation. Many researchers may be motivated to contribute to these efforts, but hesitate due to a lack of familiarity with local realities or the complexities of working in unstable environments. This webinar is designed as a resource to help them gain confidence, understand the specific challenges and opportunities, and approach potential partners with the tools and mindset needed to co-design meaningful and impactful projects.

1. Presentation of the call (10 minutes)

Speaker: Dr. Nawal Kinany, HES-SO. Head of Research and Innovation Programs with Emerging countries.

Overview of objectives, eligibility, thematic focus, and application process

2. Collaborating Across Fragility: Practical Insights for Swiss Researchers Engaging in Crisis-Affected Contexts (15 minutes)

Speaker: Prof. Karl Blanchet, University of Geneva. Full Professor in Humanitarian Public Health at the Faculty of Medicine. Director of the Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, and Academic Director of InZone.

Drawing on his extensive experience in humanitarian public health and academic collaborations in fragile settings, Prof. Karl Blanchet will offer practical guidance for researchers in Switzerland who wish to engage in meaningful partnerships with colleagues working in crisis-affected environments. As Director of the Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies and Academic Director of InZone, he has led initiatives that combine research, education, and policy engagement in contexts of displacement and instability. His talk will address key considerations such as ethical risks, trust-building, systems resilience, and the importance of co-designing projects that are both scientifically robust and locally relevant. Through concrete examples and strategic insights, he will help researchers navigate the complexities of working in fragile settings and contribute to impactful, inclusive collaborations.

3. Designing Impactful Collaborations in Fragile Contexts: A Local Perspective on Relevance, Trust, and Sustainability (15 minutes)

Speaker: Dr. Said Abukhattab, Birzeit University, West Bank and Swiss TPH. Academic researcher in public health/epidemiology.

In this talk, Dr. Said Abukhattab will share insights from his experience leading research collaborations between Palestinian institutions and Swiss universities. As a specialist in Epidemiology and the One Health approach, he will demonstrate how even small-scale initiatives can generate meaningful impact for local communities, policymakers, and researchers. Drawing on examples from infectious disease research, particularly zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance, and from the process of implementing One Health strategies in fragile and conflict-affected settings, Dr. Abukhattab will discuss how to ensure contextual relevance, build trust, and overcome field challenges. His perspective will help Swiss researchers understand how to co-design projects that are locally grounded, ethically sound, and capable of achieving long-term sustainability and impact.

4. Q&A Session (20 minutes)