Welcome to the MERL Tech Initiative!
MERL Tech is a term for digital tools and approaches that enable monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL). The term also describes the wider field of work at the intersection of technology and MERL.
The MERL Tech Initiative (MTI) and its core collaborators work with social sector organizations to achieve thoughtful tech-enabled program design, implementation, and MERL.
We convene communities of practice to share learning and advance responsible, ethical, realistic digital approaches that center people, communities and societies. We advocate for a strong focus on equity, justice and avoiding harm. Learn more about our work!
Latest News
- AI Evals: How do we approach gender-intentional chatbots?
- Nov 5th: Digital backlash, techno-authoritarianism and gender justice
- Closer to Home: Radical Theories for Africa’s Digital Realities- Data Tamasha Africa Event Recap
- Event recap: Launching the new book “Aid and ID: Making People Matter” with editor Margie Cheesman and book contributors
Upcoming Events
Join MERL professionals to connect, network and learn.
Nov 04: Book Launch of “From Algorithms to Evidence: Using GenAI in Evaluation Practice”
The MERL Tech Community of Practice is proud to host the online launch of “From Algorithms to Evidence: Using GenAI in Evaluation Practice”, a new book edited by Kerry Bruce, Valentine J Gandhi, and Steffen Bohni Nielsen. Join us on November 04, at 12pm New York/5pm London.
Nov 05: Digital backlash, techno-authoritarianism and gender justice
On November 5th, 2026, the Gender, MERL, and AI Learning Group at the MERL Tech CoP will welcome Dr. Becky Faith for a conversation about her new working paper, “Digital Backlash: Manifestations and Resistance”, co-authored with Antea de Jesus Gomes and Raisa Philip.
MERL Tech Initiative Publications
Resources
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Common AI Definitions & Risks for Development & Humanitarian Actors
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The Opportunities and Risks of Foundational Models
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CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance
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Decolonizing Data, One Language at a Time
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Data Ethics Guidebook and Toolkit
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Responsible Data Governance for M&E in the African Context. Part 1: Overview of Data Governance
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Responsible Data Governance for M&E in the African Context. Part 2: Practical Guidance
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Data Rights for Communities
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Catalog of Digital Solutions