The Conflict Research and Evidence Lab (CREL) was launched in June 2023 and has since delivered more than three dozen research and evaluation assignments across over 50 countries. CREL focuses on generating rigorous, usable evidence in contexts where programmes operate under significant pressure. Much of this work takes place in politically sensitive and fragile settings, requiring careful navigation of access, ethics and risk. Assignments span areas such as governance, human rights, peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, gender and emerging security threats.

Alongside research and evaluation, CREL supports sensitive multi-stakeholder processes. This has included facilitating dialogue to enhance understanding between aid agencies, donors and the Taliban de facto authorities in Afghanistan.

Ou work is designed to support dialogue, reflection and learning among diverse stakeholder groups. It combines research, evaluation and evidence synthesis with facilitated learning and dialogue processes, ensuring that findings are not only generated, but actively used to inform decision-making.

Evaluations draw on a range of methodological approaches. These include theory-based and quasi-experimental designs, as well as realist evaluation and complexity-oriented methods such as outcome harvesting, allowing analysis to capture both intended and emergent outcomes.

A strong emphasis is placed on inclusive and contextually grounded engagement. Where appropriate, participatory, child- and trauma-sensitive approaches are applied, using methods such as drawing, storytelling and community mapping.

CREL’s work is grounded in intellectual rigour and independence. This includes making assumptions explicit, being transparent about methodological limitations, and challenging prevailing narratives where they are not supported by the evidence. All engagement is guided by strong context sensitivity and a clear commitment to do no harm.

As a women-led organisation, we support the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, and ensure that gender perspectives are meaningfully integrated across our work.