Humanitarian Health Research Forum 2025
EVENT: HUMAN HEALTH RESEARCH FORUM
CLIENT: ELHRA & AFRICAN POPULATION AND HEALTH RESEACH CENTER
VENUE: EMARA OLE-SERENI HOTEL
DATES: 7TH -9TH MAY 2025
Event snapshot
Nairobi
150 Physical
Physical
3 Days
The Moment
The 2025 Humanitarian Health Research Forum brought together 150 researchers, practitioners and policy actors to examine how equitable research partnerships can address health challenges in humanitarian crises.
With a thematic focus on climate change and its impact on vulnerable populations, the Forum aimed to bridge global health research with humanitarian response. The intention was not only to share findings, but to strengthen networks, encourage collaboration and inspire climate resilient research practices.
This was the second project Waridi delivered with Elrha in 2025. While the Humanitarian Innovation Forum embraced an unconventional format, this edition required a more traditional conference structure. The brief called for formal clarity, but without losing participant energy or interaction.
Designing a Traditional Forum with Participatory Energy
The overall setup followed a classic research forum structure. However, intentional design choices ensured the experience remained collaborative and participant centred.
Interactive elements were integrated throughout. A world map pinning station allowed delegates to mark their geographic footprint, visually reinforcing the global nature of the community. During breaks, a World Café format was introduced, encouraging small group conversations around key themes in an informal setting. These moments complemented the plenary sessions and allowed dialogue to extend beyond the stage.
Poster sessions were brought to life through artistic illustrations. Working with an illustrator, key insights were translated visually and displayed in a curated gallery space within the Emara foyer. This transformed what could have been static research displays into an engaging walk through experience.
Subtle but thoughtful changes were introduced into the program design. Room layouts were refreshed at key intervals to re-energise the space. Customised candy and light design touches added warmth without overwhelming the professional tone. Reflection walls, with themes that evolved daily, invited attendees to pause, breathe and share insights. Even the name badges were designed with conversation prompts, featuring stickers that read “Ask me about…” to spark engagement during networking sessions.
Spaces were named after Kenyan towns, grounding the international conversation in local context. The design aesthetic remained minimal, yet intentional.
Place, Identity and Collaborative Delivery
The venue itself contributed to the atmosphere. Emara Ole Sereni Hotel offers expansive views overlooking Nairobi National Park, with the ballroom balcony providing a striking visual connection to the landscape. The setting reinforced Nairobi’s identity as a destination capable of hosting serious global dialogue.
Elrha collaborated with a local designer to bring the Forum’s brand identity to life. Concentric circles formed the core visual motif, a subtle nod to African heritage and interconnectedness. This design language flowed across stage elements, signage and materials, maintaining coherence without excess branding.
Waridi worked in close coordination with the Elrha team to translate these creative ideas into operational reality. From spatial planning and gallery setup to managing program flow and vendor coordination, the objective was seamless delivery. The program ran smoothly across all three days, with strong engagement and sustained positive energy throughout.
The Forum achieved its aim of creating a space where research, reflection and collaboration intersected. Participants left feeling heard, inspired and aligned around shared ambitions for climate resilient humanitarian health research.
