Social science in humanitarian action platform: Expanding capacity and remit

With the world facing repeated threats from disease outbreaks and with significant health and humanitarian crises engulfing regions, there is increasing recognition from humanitarian agencies of the value of social science knowledge and perspectives in contributing to operational preparedness and response efforts. In addition, there is a growing need for social scientists to assist with critical reflection on past responses and contribute to future learning, across all pillars of the emergency response. More targeted engagement with both agency staff involved in on-the-ground responses, as well as advocacy directed towards social scientists in order to improve their capacity to translate knowledge into actionable recommendations, could assist in mobilising a diverse and engaged community of practice. IDS, in collaboration with Anthrologica, has been a leader in such activities through the work of the Social Science in Humanitarian Action Platform, which has received acclaim for advocacy efforts and the production of synthesis briefings, such as for the current DRC Ebola outbreak. We are seeking funding to expand the work of the Platform in order to respond to an increasing demand for written and verbal briefings, for round table events in relation to crises, and for a fellowship scheme for practitioners and social scientists.