Updating Priorities for Research & Innovation

The goal of this study is to identify, prioritise, and validate the most pressing research gaps within the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in humanitarian crises.  

The study, funded by Elrha and implemented by Avicena and the University of Geneva’s Centre of Humanitarian Studies, will inform future investments on research on SRHR in humanitarian crises. 

Project update:

The literature review and prioritisation survey are now complete, and the data have been analysed.

We are currently refining the public-facing outputs to share the findings more widely.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who generously contributed their expertise and time to the consultations and survey, and to the Core Expert Group and Steering Committee for their invaluable guidance throughout the process.

Watch this space for updates.

A structured, multi-phase approach is being implemented, including: conducting a literature review, engaging in consultations with global and regional SRHR experts, validating regional research priorities through a global survey, and disseminating tailored recommendations to guide donors, including Elrha, in shaping future calls for proposals.  

The study is ongoing, with the literature review continuing as experts submit reports and papers sharing the results of relevant research that evaluates interventions on the topics listed above. 

The consultation period is planned to run through to mid-September 2024 and final dissemination planned in the first quarter of 2025. 

The proposed outcomes of the study include: 

  1. A detailed and up-to-date mapping of the existing research landscape in the field of SRHR in humanitarian crises (excluding gender-based violence and menstrual hygiene).  
  1. A globally validated ranking of research topics, reflecting consensus among stakeholders on the most critical areas needing further investigation. The research priorities will be presented as relevant from the global and regional perspectives. 
  1. Increased engagement and alignment of SRHR research priorities within the global SRHR in humanitarian crises community of practice on what is needed by implementation science.  

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Members of expert groups: SRHR in crises experts
The roles of these groups can be found in the Consultation plan as TORs embedded in Annex 1 and 2
Research Protocol including Consultation Plan
See details of our protocol and approaches (includes the protocol for literature review as an annex).
Geographies included in study 
Please select this link to see a document listing the geographies considered as low- or middle-income countries (both lower middle income and higher middle income) included in this study (using the World Bank categories)
Definition for Humanitarian Setting
Please select this link to see the definition used for this prioritisation study
Literature Review results
This document shares an overview of the results of the literature review. A short video will be shared that shares findings and will be followed by a report in due course.
Overview of participation in regional consultations, November – December 2024
We show here a summary of participation in consultation meetings by group.
Consultations led to the final set of 76 research questions for scoring in the survey (see top of page)