About us

The Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, part of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Geneva, has been a leading platform for humanitarian continuing education and research for 28 years. Established through collaboration between academic institutions and humanitarian organisations, the Centre focuses on health as well as history, climate change, negotiation, and management.

The Geneva Centre has been designated a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre in June 2026. By definition, a WHO Collaborating Centre is an institution designated by the Director-General of WHO to form part of an international collaborative network set up by WHO in support of its program at the country, regional, and global levels. In this capacity, the Geneva Centre works to provide strategic support to the WHO in what specifically concerns education and research in humanitarian crises.

Located in Geneva’s humanitarian hub, and working in close partnership with Médecins Sans Frontières and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Centre combines academic rigour with professional practice to prepare humanitarian actors to address today’s most pressing challenges.

At our Centre, we believe that strengthening the capacity of humanitarian professionals — wherever they work — is key to enabling effective, ethical, and evidence-based responses to today’s complex crises. Through research, education, and dialogue, we aim to support and empower those at the heart of humanitarian action. Our slogan reflects this commitment: Shaping the future of humanitarian professionals.

Prof. Karl Blanchet

Director