By integrating MIT’s technology expertise into BRAC’s numerous and cross‑cutting humanitarian, development and climate programs, this project will transform climate adaptation outcomes—first for the people of Bangladesh, and then the world.

This project is a partnership between MIT and BRAC .

MIT

As a globally preeminent science and engineering institution, MIT has developed world‑leading expertise and capabilities in climate science and high‑resolution forecasting, socioeconomic and resource modeling, and novel power, water and agriculture technologies. Moreover, MIT has for decades created, deployed and maintained decision support systems to inform and empower decision‑makers in the most challenging environments. These technologies have been deployed at scale, and are in use around the world.

• Eltahir Group
• Center for Global Change Science
• Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change
• Lincoln Laboratory
• Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab

BRAC

Founded in 1972, less than a year after Bangladesh achieved independence, BRAC has empowered millions of vulnerable people to overcome poverty. Today, BRAC brings inclusive, innovative and evidence based economic development, climate resilience and life saving humanitarian assistance programs to more than 110 million people globally. With an annual operating budget of over $1 billion USD, BRAC has been ranked the #1 NGO in the world for six years running and is widely admired for its long term vision, durability and scale. BRAC celebrated its 50^th anniversary in March, 2022.

• Urban Development Program
• Climate Change Program
• Skills Development Program

Project Leaders

Elfatih Eltahir, MIT

Dr. Elfatih Eltahir is the H. M. King Bhumibol Professor of Hydrology and Climate in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. His research focuses on understanding how regional land use change and global climate change impact society through changes in the patterns of water availability, extreme weather, and spread of vector-borne diseases, especially in Africa and Asia.

John Aldridge, MIT Lincoln Laboratory

John Aldridge is Associate Leader of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. His team leverages the research and development expertise of the Laboratory’s nearly 4,000 staff in support of humanitarian assistance, economic and social development, and disaster relief organizations.

Deborah Campbell

Deborah Campbell is a Senior Staff Scientist and co-lead for MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s Climate Change Initiative. Her work focuses on leveraging the Laboratory’s multidisciplinary R&D expertise and collaborations within the U.S. and around the world to innovate new systems and solutions to contribute to the global response to the climate change challenge.