THE SCIENCE OF DOING BETTER

Operational research helps MSF to take an in-depth look at its programs and operations, evaluates what is working well, and shows what needs to be improved. Based in Luxembourg, the Operational Research Unit LuxOR undertakes research projects supporting humanitarian activities all over the world.

LuxOR shares findings with the international MSF movement and partner organizations, and advocates for evidence-based policy and practice changes with local and international stakeholders.

RESEARCH SUPPORT ON THE GROUND

To strengthen research capacities, medical data collection, and analysis, team members regularly support missions and projects. In 2019, LuxOR’s field visits included Belgium, Cambodia, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of The Congo, Egypt, Guinea, Iraq, Lebanon, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Partnering with the World Health Organization and The Union, LuxOR team members facilitated dedicated research trainings in Luxembourg, Kenya, Nepal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Uganda.

OPEN ACCESS TO INVALUABLE EVIDENCE

Operational research studies are published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and the results remain openly available to researchers and the global humanitarian community.

In 2019 alone, 77 MSFsupported studies were published covering 13 thematic areas, such as HIV and tuberculosis, infectious diseases, migration and surgery and emergency care.

TRANSLATING FINDINGS INTO ACTION

Study findings reveal valuable evidence to improve programs and close gaps in the access to care throughout MSF’s projects. With a dedicated policy and practice strategy, LuxOR is working to move its research back into action, sharing key findings with operations and partners, planning for uptake, and measuring impact.

For the first time ever, LuxOR ran a dedicated course on translating operational research into policy and practice change in late 2019, directly supporting eight research projects from all over the world with tailored uptake strategies.