IASC Briefing Note, A Consensus-Based Research Agenda for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Humanitarian Settings for 2021–2030 (MHPSS SET-2)

Research can play an important role in understanding the scale, scope and contextual specificities of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) issues in humanitarian settings and can guide the implementation of appropriate and effective services. Yet important gaps persist between MHPSS research and practice. 

In 2009–2010, a first consensus-based research agenda for the field of MHPSS in humanitarian settings was completed.1 It aimed to ensure that research activities were more closely aligned with the needs of humanitarian stakeholders and to assist funders and decision-makers in prioritizing and harmonizing research efforts. 

Recognizing that there has been a growth in MHPSS programming and research in humanitarian settings in recent years, the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Humanitarian Settings: Setting a Consensus-based Research Agenda (MHPSS-SET 2) process was initiated in 2020. MHPSS-SET 2 applied a systematic, stepwise process to establish consensus on MHPSS research priorities for the period 2021–2030, using established methodologies for setting research priorities. It engaged researchers, implementers and policy-makers in a multiphase process to generate and prioritize research questions. Efforts to include humanitarian practitioners were incorporated, including in the governance structure.