ISDC – International Security and Development Center is a non-profit academic institute based in Berlin, Germany. We conduct research to improve lives and livelihoods shaped by violent conflict, fragility, and humanitarian emergencies. We believe in the power of data and evidence for understanding and alleviating suffering around the world. You can find out more about […]
Fragile Lives 2024 was the first edition of a new annual expert conference aimed at discussing the role of scientific evidence in shaping policies for fragile and conflict-affected areas. Throughout the event, held on 1 and 2 October 2024 at Humboldt University of Berlin, representatives from academia, policy, and practice explored how poly-crises, where violent […]
We are happy to announce that ISDC has become a member of the Anticipation Hub – a platform to facilitate knowledge exchange, learning, guidance, and advocacy around anticipatory action. Anticipatory action is an important tool in the toolbox of humanitarian response. Through our work, we generate evidence around what works, and we look forward to […]
The Life in Kyrgyzstan Data Users Workshop Date and time: October 09, 2024, 09:00-12:30 Venue: University of Central Asia – 3 floor Board room, 125/1 Toktogul Street, Bishkek. The Institute of Public Policy and Administration of the University of Central Asia (UCA), the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), and ISDC – International […]
Registration is now open for the international expert conference ‘Fragile Lives 2024‘! The conference, which will take place on 1-2 October 2024, will host a unique mix of experts from academia, policy, and practice speaking on the cutting edge of research and programming on three themes: Key speakers include: Beyond that, the conference will include […]
The Vulnerability Assessment Framework (VAF) is a tool developed by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in Jordan to track changes in refugees’ living situation over time. In 2023, ISDC was tasked with supporting the development of a new module to this framework that can measure climate vulnerability: the climate change vulnerability index. This index would […]
The increased frequency and intensity of climate shocks are expanding humanitarian needs and the impact on households. So far, the programming of humanitarian assistance has been mostly responsive and relief arrives when adverse and long-lasting effects have materialized. Given advances in forecasting weather shocks, what if governments and humanitarian actors could provide assistance to households […]
ISDC is pleased to announce the publication of a new research article titled “Short- and Medium-Term Impacts of Small-Scale Vegetable Support on Food Security: Evidence from Syria.” Written by Ghassan Baliki, Melodie Al Daccache, Hala Ghattas, and Tilman Brück, this article provides critical insights into the effectiveness of small-scale agricultural interventions in conflict settings. Key […]
Announcing the publication of a special feature on Social Cohesion and Forced Displacement in the Journal of Conflict Resolution Sarah Langlotz, Philip Verwimp, Patricia Justino and Tilman Brück, guest co-editors Today we are happy to announce the publication of a selection of papers analysing social cohesion and forced displacement in conflict contexts. Each paper is […]
ISDC is happy to announce that we have been awarded funding from the German Foundation for Peace Research (Deutsche Stiftung Friedensforschung (DSF)). The funds were awarded to support the organization of the 20th Households in Conflict Network (HiCN) Annual Workshop, which is set to take place on 1 & 2 October, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. […]
As part of the ANH Academy Week, ISDC is hosting a Learning Lab on ‘Conducting Rigorous Impact Evaluations of Food Systems Interventions in Humanitarian Emergencies and Conflict-Affected Settings.’ Session Description Many consider Rigorous Impact Evaluations (RIEs) to be the gold standard in evaluating interventions. We agree. However, various methodological, ethical, and practical challenges to conducting […]
The prevailing patterns of economic and social development all too often fail to deliver progress for all and to respect our planetary boundaries. We see climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation caused by economic development that is accompanied by persistent or even rising inequality, poverty, and hunger. Multiple ongoing crises are reinforcing these global […]
Starting in early 2020, the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) allocated nearly $20 million to projects across the five states of Darfur. Results from our evaluation of these projects are now available.
The methods working group of the German Association of Peace and Conflict Studies (AFK) is pleased to announce that this year’s workshop will be organized as part of the Fragile Lives 2024 Conference, hosted by the Zero Hunger Lab at Humboldt-University of Berlin with IRI THESys. The workshop will take place at Humboldt-University of Berlin […]
Since 2005, the Households in Conflict Network (HiCN) has fostered academic research and discussion on the micro-level experiences and consequences of violent conflict in its annual workshops. Hosted by Humboldt-University of Berlin on 1-2 October 2024, the 20th Anniversary HiCN Annual Workshop will build on this achievement by discussing a new focus for research within […]
On the 17th and 18th of April, the world of peacemaking descended upon Berlin to attend the Berghof Foundation’s new conference: The Berlin Moot. Under the theme of ‘Reshaping Peace’, more than 300 experts from around the world came together to take stock on the current state of peacemaking and discuss concrete suggestions for the […]
The Call for Papers and Sessions for the 10th Annual ‘Life in Kyrgyzstan’ Conference is now live! This event, hosted in collaboration with our partner organizations, will take place on 10 and 11 October 2024, at the Orion Hotel in Bishkek. We are pleased to invite the submissions for papers and sessions via email to […]
Every year, the Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE) hosts a conference brings together actors from across the development economics community to present and discuss research on Africa. This year, ISDC was represented by Behavior Research Program Director Wolfgang Stojetz and Dorothee Weiffen from our Welfare Research Program. Each presented a research paper […]
Under the theme “Towards Zero Hunger,” ISDC Director Prof. Tilman Brück gave a KOSMOS on 15 February 2024 at the Humboldt University, Berlin.
This report presents our findings on LEAD 2’s effects on new start-ups and existing SMEs, thereby assessing the efficacy of jobs-based programming in promoting stability and economic development in the region.
ISDC, as part of a consortium of partner institutions, is proud to announce it will be hosting a new conference: Fragile Lives.
