Home - MERL Tech

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

Upcoming Events

Join MERL professionals to connect, network and learn.

Aug 20: Masterclass at Data Tamasha Africa

The MERL Tech Initiative is hosting a Masterclass titled “Strengthening Evidence-Based Decision Making Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning for AI and Data Governance Policymaking” during Data Tamasha Africa 2026, on August 20.

Sep 02: Digital and AI-enabled Social and Behavior Change

Join us for a conversation about Digital and AI-enabled Social and Behavior Change.

Sept 3-17: Find out what Small Language Models can do for you

The MERL Tech Initiative is once again offering our course on Small Language Models (SLMs). Join us in September for a hands-on workshop led by experts Cathy Richards and Jonas Norén.

Sep 09: What does it take to be ready to listen to communities?

On September 09, at 12pm ET, we are bringing together Megan Campbell (FeedbackLabs) and Katherine Haugh (Convive Collective) for a conversation about philanthropy, listening to communities, and acting on feedback and insights. Together we will explore how organizational readiness may influence or inform how organizations are able to respond to insights generated through listening efforts. […]