Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) Impact Evaluation, 2023

Programme: Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC)
Evaluation focus: R2HC’s performance and contribution since its establishment in 2013

About the evaluation

This independent evaluation assessed the performance and impact of Elrha’s Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises programme. It examined the quality and influence of R2HC-funded research, the programme’s contribution to the wider humanitarian system and whether R2HC continued to fill an important gap in the research funding landscape.

Key findings

The evaluation found that R2HC had demonstrated that high-quality research can be successfully undertaken in humanitarian settings and translated into humanitarian policy and practice. The research projects assessed generated strong levels of impact overall, with particularly clear influence on policies, standards and guidance. The programme also contributed to research capacity and lasting relationships between researchers, policymakers and operational actors.

R2HC was recognised as an authoritative funder with an important and distinctive role, while the evaluation identified further opportunities to strengthen locally led research, broaden awareness of the programme and give research sufficient time to achieve uptake and impact.

Recommendations

Recommendations included increasing representation from low- and middle-income countries in R2HC governance and research leadership, strengthening equitable research partnerships, extending grants where needed to support uptake and impact, and developing a more strategic approach to engagement and communication.