The Harvard Data Science Initiative’s Industry Seminar, hosted by HDSI’s Jennifer Chow in January 2025, featured Andrew Schroeder, co-director of CrisisReady and VP of Research and Analysis at Direct Relief, to explore how novel data sources and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing disaster response and recovery. During the virtual session, Schroeder provided insights into the transformative potential — and the recurring challenges — of applying data science to humanitarian operations.
You can watch the full seminar recording below, or by clicking this link.
CrisisReady’s Role in Humanitarian Data Science
CrisisReady, a partnership between Direct Relief and Harvard Data Science Initiative, operates at the intersection of research and operational disaster response. Its mission is to mainstream the use of novel data into disaster preparedness, response, and recovery models to ensure that efforts are timely and effective.
In the “Industry Seminar,” Andrew Schroeder explained that “The goal [of CrisisReady] is to use applied data science to translate novel data sources into actionable insights that directly benefit communities in crisis.” He also shared the core functions of the CrisisReady platform, which include the following:
- Data and Analytics as Aid: CrisisReady produces disaster situation reports using novel data, like human mobility data from Meta platforms, to supplement existing streams of information used by emergency response organizations. The aim is to strengthen traditional aid delivery with data-driven insights, which can help response teams better target aid and relief activities as a disaster evolves.
- ReadyMapper Platform: In 2022, CrisisReady launched ReadyMapper, a tool that brings together different types of data to track changes in how people move and relocate during disasters. It also shows information about vulnerable populations in a specific area, like the percentage of elderly people, those who rely on medical equipment, and details about income and social factors. ReadyMapper also includes data on healthcare facilities, showing the locations of hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities around the world. When available, it also shows how many beds each facility has.
- Capacity Building: CrisisReady collaborates with response agencies, governments, and private enterprises to explore how novel data can strengthen disaster response. Through workshops, collaborative discussions, and disaster exercises, they are able to understand the practical applications of tools like ReadyMapper while addressing the contextual challenges an organization may face when integrating such data into response models. By focusing on capacity building, CrisisReady aims to help organizations interpret and use data effectively, improving decision-making and response strategies during emergencies.
Key Topics Addressed in the Seminar
The Power of Novel Data
Andrew Schroeder emphasized the importance of integrating novel data sources, defined as datasets repurposed for humanitarian contexts, into disaster response. From human mobility data used to assess evacuation effectiveness to damage estimation models based on satellite imagery, such data has proven pivotal in real-time crises.
“Novel data allows us to understand crises as they unfold, offering a level of granularity and immediacy that was previously unattainable.”
Andrew Schroeder
Co-Director, CrisisReady
Vice President of Research and Analysis, Direct Relief
Case Study: Hurricane Milton
Using mobility data from Meta, CrisisReady analyzed evacuation patterns during Hurricane Milton, which struck Florida in early October 2024. The study found that evacuation orders in the most affected zones were highly effective, contributing to low mortality rates. This insight underscored the value of timely, data-driven decision-making.
The response to Hurricane Milton highlighted the effectiveness of well-coordinated evacuation mandates informed by real-time data, in contrast to past hurricanes where delays in issuing orders contributed to higher casualties.
Bridging Research and Operational Response
A recurring theme was the need to connect academic research with on-the-ground operations. CrisisReady facilitates this through collaborations with public health agencies, NGOs, and governments, ensuring that data is not only analyzed but also translated into practical actions.
Oftentimes, the most challenging aspects are not the data analysis itself but building trust, ensuring data readiness, and aligning methodologies with the specific needs of local communities.
Challenges of Data-Driven Humanitarian Response
During the seminar, Schroeder acknowledged significant barriers to integrating novel data into disaster response, including the following:
- Privacy Concerns: Ensuring data protection while maintaining usability.
- Capacity Limitations: Many response organizations lack the technical expertise or resources to utilize complex datasets.
- Trust and Adoption: Organizations are often hesitant to adopt new methods without clear evidence of efficacy.“Localization is key. Building capacity within communities closest to the crisis ensures that data-driven solutions are relevant, timely, and trusted,” Schroeder noted.
Speaking to these challenges, Schroeder emphasized the importance of localization, highlighting that building capacity within communities directly affected by crises is essential to ensuring data-driven solutions are effective, timely, and trusted.
Lessons Learned: The Importance of Translational Readiness
During the discussion, Schroeder explained the concept of translational readiness, which involves converting data insights into actionable strategies. This requires collaboration, ongoing learning, and a focus on the unique needs of each individual crisis.
