
As for any researcher, it is curiosity that drives us. Understanding what the needs of the affected population and of the humanitarian responders are. Which of the many available information and communication tools actually do support their work ? What are the requirements and constraints in practice that may prevent the optimal use of these tools? How do these tools and the specific humanitarian context impact sensemaking among decision makers and the decisions they make?
This is why we are planning a scientific mission to the Philippines. Because there is no surrogate for field research, as we will be talking to the people who actually are in the field dealing with the consequences of the disaster, and experience first hand the circumstances in which they have to work. We want to conduct research where it matters most.
During our mission, we will monitor and report on the transition of the early response phase to recovery. And in particular, we will try to understand how more information and better tools may lead to a faster recovery and ultimately, an improved resilience.