The historical placement of research questions is key for the people whose lives and livelihoods are at stake and requires a critical response from researchers. In a context like Lebanon, research and researchers must continuously re-position their inquiries and convictions to respond to a continually changing geography. Lebanon is experiencing several intersecting crises: infrastructural incapacity, economic instability, a global health pandemic, a suspended refugee problem, and severe government corruption culminating in an explosion on 4th August at the Beirut port, from which the city still struggles to recover. Simultaneously, a series of social uprisings since October 2019 have sought to imagine possibilities of a different Lebanon. This virtual conference aims to provide a forum for critical reflection on RELIEF’s work, engagement with partners, lessons learnt and how to move forward. 

Speakers include Professor Henrietta L Moore (UCL Institute for Global Prosperity), Professor Howayda Al-Harithy (Beirut Urban Lab, AUB), Professor Diana Laurillard (UCL Institute of Education), Dr Nadim Farajallah (IFI AUB), Dr Camillo Boano (UCL Development Planning Unit), Dr Fadi Alhalabi (Multi Aid Programs - MAPs), Joana Dabaj (CatalyticAction), Suha Tutunji (Jusoor Syria) and many many more.