Ever wondered how mathematical modeling could be used to predict future scenarios for humans based on sustainability criteria? HHI Fellow Justyna Zander is busily working on the "Computation of Things," the development of a technological solution to allow for a quick and reliable assessment of people's possible decision paths and how this affects sustainable development. You can read more about her current work in a recent paper she published on the subject by clicking here.  You can also follow Ms. Zander's research by reading her blog. 

On March 17, Ms. Zander presented the "Computation of Things for Sustainable Development" presentation to the Homeland Security Workshop on Grand Challenges in Modeling, Simulation and Analysis.  You can view a slideshow of this presentation here.

HHI announces the Cogan Family Fund for graduate and undergraduate research

We're excited to announce a new fund offered through HHI for undergraduate and graduate student humanitarian research! The Cogan Family Fund for Humanitarian Studies provides funds for undergraduate and graduate students at Harvard University who are conducting field research related to crisis-affected settings. The fund enables students to obtain international experience and an understanding of the cross-disciplinary nature of humanitarian work. Students interested in advancing research, practice, and policy in the field of humanitarian assistance to populations affected by war, disaster, and other crises are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants are eligible to receive support for travel and research related expenses.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through June 30, 2010. Click here for more information.

Burden of Surgical Disease Working Group holds meeting and changes name

The Burden of Surgical Disease Working Group headed by HHI Fellow Kelly McQueen held its 3rd annual global meeting at The Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health on March 10-12, 2010 in Nashville, TN. The meeting focused on the global anesthesia crisis, raising the standard for surgical outcomes, the role of academic partnerships in the role of delivery of care and improving education and training, and the importance of decreasing maternal mortality through surgical intervention. The 300 member group was well represented with participants from surgery, anesthesia, obstetrics, public health, corporate partners and healthcare. The Working Group also decided to change its name to ASAP TODAY, short for 'Advocacy for Safe Global Surgery and Anesthesia', to better communicate the absence of safe anesthesia in many low income countries. To read an article about the meeting in the Vanderbilt Reporter, click here.

HHI publishes working paper on evidence-based peacekeeping in Darfur

The second working paper published in HHI's recently launched Working Paper Series deals directly with how evidence can further peacekeeping efforts in Darfur. "Evidence-Based Peacekeeping: Exploring the Epidemiology of Lethal Violence in Darfur" assesses the "nature and scale of violence in Darfur in a way that is both directly useful in the design of peace support missions and policies, while also more broadly demonstrating the importance of rigorous data collection before and throughout these missions in order to arrive at evidence-based conclusions about the nature of violence and effectiveness of applied responses."  To read the working paper, click here.


Humanitarian Studies Initiative simulation to take place this month

From April 23-25, more than 100 students of the Humanitarian Studies Initiative will enter the woods of Andover, Massachusetts for a simulation of the Chad-Darfur border. As in previous years, volunteers will act as refugees, militia, rebels, journalists, and cameramen to act out a real crisis situation.  Students will have the opportunity to practice humanitarian response to refugees in need, while balancing the responsibility to represent their NGO's to the media, deal with militants and rebels, and take care of their own personal health needs in a crisis situation.  To read an article about last year's simulation, please click here.


Sheri Fink Receives Journalistic Honors

HHI Fellow Sheri Fink has received many honors this past month for her August 2009 article, "The Deadly Choices at Memorial." Her article came in first place for coverage of a major news event in the magazine category for the National Headliner Awards.  She is also a finalist for the 2010 Michael Kelly Award and for the National Magazine Award in the reporting category. 


Registration now open for International Conference on Crisis Mapping (ICCM): Haiti and Beyond

The second annual ICCM will take place at Harvard University and Tufts University this October 1-3, 2010.  The first day of the conference is open to the public and includes ignite talks, a keynote address, and tech and analysis fair. 

For more information and to register for the public event, please click here.