Seminar organized by The Norwegian Centre for Humanitarian Studies (NCHS), a joint CMI, NUPI and PRIO initiative. Introductions by two leading scholars in humanitarian studies, Michael Barnett, University Professor of International Affairs and Political Science at the George Washington University and Peter Walker, Director of the Feinstein International Center at Tufts University, will be followed by commentaries from Austen Davis (the Norwegian Refugee Council), Cindy Horst (PRIO), John Karlsrud (NUPI) and a representative from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The seminar will serve as a catalyst for initiating a critical public and academic conversation about research on humanitarian issues in Norway. Our panelists will discuss the need for "evidence based" humanitarian research; the quest for relevance; highlight current overall trends in humanitarian research and critically consider the relationship between stakeholders: researchers, beneficiaries, practitioners and policymakers.

Participation upon invitation. Questions can be directed to Kristin Bergtora Sandvik (Bergtora@prio.no).