‘You Get Your PhD, but What Do We Get Out of This Research?’: Reflecting on the Impact of Academic Research in Humanitarian Migration Settings

<jats:p>This article critically examines the potential impact of academic research in humanitarian settings, as well as the ethical and practical considerations involved. Starting with a review of the literature on research impact in humanitarian settings, I distinguish between two approaches (the ‘benefits from research’ and ‘impact through research’ approach). I then reflect on the importance of research methodology in achieving impact, using the two case studies from my PhD project as examples: research on psychosocial support for refugees in Uganda and for undocumented migrants in the Netherlands. Both groups rely heavily on the support of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and are situated within humanitarian aid systems. The study explores how contextual differences influence two key methodological choices, namely, partnerships with NGOs and reimbursements, and how these choices affect the relationships between researchers, organisations and participants. I argue that collaboratively deciding on the ‘right’ form of impact, while being realistic about structural limitations, is a prerequisite for conducting ethical research. By analysing the possibility of achieving meaningful impact in humanitarian migration contexts and studying the ‘ethics of research impact’ itself, this article offers a novel contribution to the wider discussion of conducting ethical research in crisis-affected settings.</jats:p>