10 000 participants ready for our online course Operational Research in Humanitarian Action
Interview with our Director, Prof. Karl Blanchet
Prof. Karl Blanchet, why did you and your team create this MOOC in the first place?
We developed this MOOC to create a bridge between humanitarian practitioners and researchers. What was very important to us was actually to change or to try and influence the culture of humanitarian organisations so that they become more evidence-based and they use science and research to inform the decisions.
So, we put a lot of effort into developing a free online course, not too heavy, quite easy to handle next to people’s work, so that all the principles of research are presented. We talk about different methods, ethical issues, practical issues and how we can commission and implement a research study in humanitarian studies.
How do you explain that we actually reached 10 000 participants? Is it because it’s free?
I think there is a great need in the humanitarian sector to integrate more research into projects. There is a big push from international donors but as well governments who ask for more evidence, more outcome- and result-based management. There is a great need from international organisations as well as national organisations to have a better understanding of the principles, the concepts of research. This course is “spot-on” on these aspects.
And you can actually join whenever you want?
Exactly. It’s only 3 hours per week for 5 weeks. It can be self-paced. A lot of experts are instructing on this course. People from Agha Khan University but also the International Committee of the Red Cross and many other key partners.
So, you have the perspectives from the Northern universities, Southern universities and humanitarian practitioners. It’s ideal for humanitarian workers.
All this information is available on our website. Is there another MOOC in the pipeline ?
On December 5th, we will launch a new MOOC on Migration, Health and Equity in Europe. It will be the same format. We will have more than 12 lecturers coming from different European countries. Looking forward!
What do you want to say to anyone who is hesitating to start the MOOC?
What is important is that all these courses are easy to understand and the vocabulary has been completely adapted. We also offer plenty of resources if you want to go further. I am sure that anybody with any kind of degree, discipline or background can understand and will benefit from this course.
Interested?
Come and join us 😊 ! MOOC: Operational Research for Humanitarians – Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies
The Massive Online Open Course (MOOC), “Operational Research for Humanitarians” is developed in partnership with the Aga Khan University, Pakistan, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Watch our MOOC trailer video here.
Coordinator : Benjamin Schmid
Interview by Charlotte Lang