The Feinstein International Center is a research and teaching center based at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.

Mission

They promote the use of evidence and learning in operational and policy responses to protect and strengthen the lives, livelihoods, and dignity of people affected by or at risk of humanitarian crises.

What they do:

They take a practical, solution-oriented approach to research and teaching to address current and future global humanitarian challenges.

Their research begins by engaging with partners, such as humanitarian agencies and policymakers, to design research that will support them to gather the evidence and information that they need to make the best possible program and policy decisions.

They conduct their research in partnership with international agencies, local communities and a range of research organizations. Together they develop strong relationships, build each other’s capacities and enhance their contextual knowledge. This collaboration strengthens their team and their partners.

Through these partnerships, they use existing knowledge and develop new evidence to inform and influence those who advocate for and create change. They work with their partners to develop publications, hold events and trainings, engage with stakeholders, and contribute to academic debates.

The Feinstein faculty teach at The Friedman School and The Fletcher School, bringing the center’s vast experience and networks into the classroom. Their curricula are grounded in current events making them relevant, engaging, and solution oriented. They arm future leaders with the knowledge, skills, and analytical abilities they need to address challenges and improve policy and practice in the humanitarian field.

Values

• They are people-focused: they put people affected by or at risk of humanitarian crises at the center of their work.
• Their approach to research is rigorous, practical, transparent, respectful and based on promoting dignity.
• They seek genuine partnerships and actively involve crisis-affected communities in their research.
• They are committed to working with and developing local research capacities.
• They are committed to effectively communicating their research findings to crisis-affected communities, policymakers and practitioners.
• They work within legal frameworks and promote open and transparent relationships with national and local authorities.
• They are committed to developing the next generation of humanitarian leaders and researchers through education and research.
• They promote the development and well-being of associated faculty and staff through an inclusive, flexible, and supportive work culture.