Humanitarian emergencies represent a key obstacle for equitable human development. Often extensive political violence is deeply entwined with complex emergencies, as political orders are challenged as emergencies unfold. Furthermore, while supporting ‘normal’ development is already a tall challenge, intervening in humanitarian emergencies is in itself a complex task, often undertaking with limited resources and under time pressure. Yet overcoming humanitarian emergencies and achieving socio-economic development are two sides of the same coin and it is increasingly recognized that humanitarian and development interventions are more effective if closely integrated. ISDC can provide rigorous evidence on how humanitarian emergencies impact people, how interventions impact people and how interventions can be best designed under these circumstances. We work with governments, international organizations, foundations and NGOs to generate knowledge to overcome humanitarian emergencies.