How are humanitarians using AI: reflections on our community-centred research approach

How can artificial intelligence research be designed with community engagement at heart?

When a simple LinkedIn poll asking humanitarians how often they use AI was scaled into a global survey attracting 2,500+ responses, it revealed something unexpected: practitioners are hungry to discuss AI adoption but lack the community space to air views and experiences. 

The team behind the first systematic study of AI use in humanitarian work reveal how they turned organic community engagement into global research. Lucy Hall and Ka Man Parkinson (Humanitarian Leadership Academy), together with Madigan Johnson (Data Friendly Space) discuss and reflect on their campaign approach to rapid, community-driven research - balancing speed with rigour when evidence is urgently needed.

What you'll hear:

• Candid reflections on their research approach and lessons learned
• Why they had to shelve planned video content
• How cross-organisational collaboration can work during major sectoral shifts

Who should tune in: humanitarian researchers, MEAL professionals, communications specialists, technologists, and anyone interested in community-led research with Global South focus.

Visit the episode webpage for speaker bios, transcripts, and links to the report and resources.

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The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.

Chapters

• 0:00 Chapter 1: Introduction
• 3:51 Chapter 2: Reflecting on an organic research origins and responsive approaches
• 18:09 Chapter 3: Using inclusive research methodological approaches
• 23:40 Chapter 4: Balancing voices and taking an audience-centred editorial approach
• 31:05 Chapter 5: Reflections on the research process: what would we change?
• 41:36 Chapter 6: Research as a springboard for dialogue – next steps
• 50:23 Chapter 7: Closing reflections