Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research at Harvard University

The Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research (HPCR) is a research and policy program that provides technical assistance and information support for international organizations engaged in conflict prevention and management.

The Program was established in August 2000 as a collaborative effort of the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), the Executive Office of the United Nations Secretary-General, and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. With the government of Switzerland serving as its core donor, the Program services international organizations, in particular the United Nations, with innovative and coherent policy inputs on humanitarian law, human security, conflict management, and conflict prevention. Special attention is devoted to the role of new information technologies in the policymaking work of governments and international organizations.

Situated in one of the world's most dynamic academic and policy environments, HPCR applies its unique access and resources to address new policy challenges. Valuing flexibility and entrepreneurship, the Program nonetheless measures success in terms of practical impact. The Program employs a diverse staff of professionals and a number of undergraduate and graduate student research assistants.