Humanitarian AI podcast series, episode 1
This conversation marks the start of a new Humanitarian AI podcast miniseries which builds on the August 2025 research: ‘How are humanitarians using artificial intelligence? Mapping current practice and future potential’ . In this episode, Lucy Hall, Ka Man Parkinson, and Madigan Johnson reflect on how a simple LinkedIn poll on AI use among humanitarians grew into a global survey with over 2,500 responses. They discuss how community engagement shifted into structured research, navigating the realities of fast‑paced collaboration — balancing speed with rigor, coordinating across organizations, and sparking sector‑wide dialogue where evidence is urgently needed.
The conversation also surfaces lessons learned, unexpected hurdles, and how agile communication and capacity sharing can strengthen research during times of major change.
Guests
- Lucy Hall, Research and Evidence Lead, Humanitarian Leadership Academy
- Ka Man Parkinson, Communications and Marketing Lead, Humanitarian Leadership Academy
- Madigan Johnson , Head of Communications, Data Friendly Space