The Research People assists humanitarian, climate and conservation organizations in leveraging technology and innovation for the benefit of communities and ecosystems.
Our rigorous research and evaluation services help organizations to address their most intractable problems and understand how to support more effective local responses.
Our approach is data-backed and influenced by local communities and on-the-ground experts. Together, we aspire to create a future where innovation serves as a catalyst for a more resilient, inclusive, and harmonious planet.
Lydia Tanner
The Research People is led by Dr Lydia Tanner, a researcher and strategic adviser with 15 years' experience across humanitarian, climate and conservation research.
Co-lead of the latest 2026 State of the Humanitarian System report
100+ research and evaluation studies for organisations including ICRC, UNHCR, UNICEF, ALNAP, WWF and GSMA.
Primary research on digital technology and displacement
Evaluations of >10 innovation funds, portfolios and programmes
Research with and led by local and national NGOs
DPhil in Information Engineering from the University of Oxford, with a background in computer science.
Great research delivered through teams
Lydia founded The Research People in 2017 and initially developed a wide network of researchers working across countries and disciplines. Today she leads projects directly and bringing together bespoke teams for each study.
Our core values
RIGOUR
Through thoughtful research design, creative methods, and deep expertise
COURAGE
Through intellectual boldness, ethical integrity, and effective communication
SOLIDARITy
With people living through humanitarian emergencies and at the coalface of the climate crisis
HUMANITY
Through empathy, listening, and principled approaches
