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
- Safety by Design: When AI Finds the Cracks, Who Falls Through Them?
- Event: Community listening – What have we learned about the role of technology?
- Event: The Humanitarian AI Countdown – How is AI infiltrating humanitarian aid operations with Giulio Coppi
- Design is Dead; Long Live Design: How Designers in International Development are thinking about AI
Upcoming Events
Join MERL professionals to connect, network and learn.
May 07: From dependence to sovereignty: Alternative models for digital identity at RightsCon
Together with those at the forefront of design, implantation and critical reflection, we will consider what new models of digital identity systems may look like, and outline the kind of data protection frameworks and enforcement authorities necessary in countries developing digital identity systems.
May 20-22: Meet us at ICT4D 2026
In 2026, the ICT4D Conference is taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, between May 20 and 22. The MERL Tech Initiative is attending alongside global leaders, practitioners, and innovators to explore the future of digital transformation, and we are looking forward to meeting many of you in person.
July 13-15: Introduction to AI in Evaluation – IPDET Workshop
The IPDET Workshops in Bern (Switzerland) will take place from July 13 to 17, 2026. Linda Raftree (The MERL Tech Initiative) is co-facilitating a training with Paul Jasper to help evaluators who have so far had limited exposure to emerging AI, including Generative AI (GenAI), to understand potential implications and risks for their area of work. Learn more and register here.
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