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!


Upcoming Events

Join MERL professionals to connect, network and learn.

Nov 19: Designing AI that low-literacy users will actually use

The AI Design & UX Learning Group, convened by Isabelle Amazon-Brown, Sara Chamberlain and Sofie Meyer, is bringing designers and researchers together for a discussion-led session on successful approaches to AI for low-literacy users. We’ll hear how two organisations have rethought the way users interact with their AI-powered tools: One replaced typing with taps and the other replaced text with voice. We’ll then discuss what that means for anyone designing for low-literacy users in low-resource settings.

Nov 24: Keeping the Human in the loop – Balancing AI capabilities with Human Judgement in Evaluation

The next meeting of the AI, Asia-Pacific and MERL Learning Group is happening on November 24, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM IST.

Dec 02-04: Global Digital Health Forum 2026

The MERL Tech Initiative is attending the Global Digital Health Forum, taking place in Asia for the first time in its sixteen-year history.