Feinstein International Center

Feinstein International Center. The Feinstein International Center is a research and academic institution dedicated to advancing the fields of humanitarianism and human security. Based at Tufts University within the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, its work focuses on populations affected by conflict, displacement, and food insecurity. The center conducts rigorous, evidence-based research to inform policy and practice for non-governmental organizations, United Nations agencies, and national governments.

History and mission

Established in 1996 through a philanthropic gift from Alan Shawn Feinstein, the center was founded to address critical gaps in understanding the intersection of nutrition, agriculture, and humanitarian crisis. Its mission is to generate actionable evidence and promote policies that protect and strengthen the livelihoods of vulnerable communities in fragile and conflict-affected settings. From its inception, the center has been committed to a practice of "engaged scholarship," working directly with affected populations and frontline practitioners in regions like the Horn of Africa and South Asia. This approach ensures its research is grounded in the realities of places such as Somalia, Afghanistan, and South Sudan.

Research and programs

The center's research portfolio is organized around several core thematic areas, including resilience, gender-based violence, forced migration, and pastoralism. Key programs have investigated the dynamics of famine early warning, the efficacy of cash transfer interventions, and the protection of civilians in war zones like Syria and Yemen. It operates long-term field research initiatives, such as the Livelihoods Change Over Time study, which tracks families in Afar and Somali Region. The center also houses the Education in Crisis and Conflict consortium, funded by the United States Agency for International Development, and contributes significantly to the Global Food Security Strategy of the U.S. Government.

Publications and impact

The center disseminates its findings through a robust publications program, including peer-reviewed journals like *Disasters* and *Food Policy*, as well as its own research briefs, working papers, and books. Influential reports, such as those on the 2011 Somalia famine and the use of sanctions in humanitarian contexts, have directly shaped the operations of agencies like the World Food Programme and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Its work has informed major international frameworks, including the Grand Bargain from the World Humanitarian Summit and the Sustainable Development Goals. The center's researchers frequently provide expert testimony to bodies like the United States Congress and the European Commission.

Affiliations and partnerships

As an integral part of Tufts University, the center maintains deep ties with the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and collaborates with other schools, including the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and the Tufts University School of Medicine. Externally, it partners with a global network of operational agencies, including Oxfam, Save the Children, the International Rescue Committee, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. The center is a key academic partner for the Inter-Agency Standing Committee and maintains collaborative research agreements with institutions like the University of Nairobi and the International Livestock Research Institute.

Leadership and staff

The center is led by a director who oversees a multidisciplinary team of researchers, faculty, and professional staff with expertise in anthropology, economics, epidemiology, and political science. Notable past leadership includes scholars who have served in advisory roles for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Bank. Its staff often includes seconded professionals from organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières and the Danish Refugee Council, fostering a continuous exchange between academia and the frontline of humanitarian action. The center also mentors students from Tufts University and other institutions through its fellowship and internship programs.