Evidence for decision-making in complex environments

The Conflict Research and Evidence Lab was launched in June 2023 and has since delivered more than three dozen research and evaluation assignments across over 50 countries. This work spans governance, peacebuilding, and humanitarian assistance, alongside work on Women, Peace and Security, information manipulation, hybrid threats, and related areas.

Our portfolio also includes the facilitation of sensitive multi-stakeholder processes. This has involved convening dialogue processes involving aid agencies, donors, and the Taliban de facto authorities in Afghanistan.

Our work supports reflection, learning, and dialogue among diverse stakeholder groups. To inform decision-making in complex and dynamic environments, it brings together facilitated learning and dialogue processes with research, evaluations, and evidence synthesis.

Our evaluations draw on a wide range of methodologies, including quasi-experimental and theory-based approaches, realist evaluation, and complexity-oriented methods such as outcome harvesting.

We place a strong emphasis on inclusive and contextually grounded engagement. Where appropriate, we apply participatory, child- and trauma-sensitive approaches, using methods such as drawing, storytelling, and community mapping.

Our work is grounded in a commitment to 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 underpinned by strong context sensitivity and a clear commitment to do-no-harm principles.

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