Est. 2012 · Dhaka, Bangladesh

Advancing Knowledge for a Sustainable and Equitable World

We combine rigorous social science research with environmental expertise to deliver evidence-based insights that drive meaningful policy and community impact.

180+
Projects Completed
32
Countries Reached
95%
Client Satisfaction
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Environmental Impact Assessment

Comprehensive EIA services aligned with international standards and local regulatory frameworks.

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Data Analytics

Transforming complex field data into actionable insights and policy recommendations.

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Social Research

Mixed-methods research capturing the human dimensions of development challenges.

A Research-Driven Consultancy Built on Evidence and Integrity

ResearchLearningHub is a leading social science and environmental research consultancy based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Since 2012, we have partnered with governments, NGOs, international organizations, and private sector clients to deliver research that matters.

Our interdisciplinary team of researchers, data scientists, and environmental specialists brings rigorous academic thinking to real-world challenges — from climate adaptation strategies to urban development planning and public health systems.

Learn About Us →
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Evidence-Based Approach

Every recommendation we make is grounded in rigorous data collection and analysis.

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Participatory Methods

We work alongside communities, not just for them, ensuring local voices shape outcomes.

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Global Standards, Local Insights

International research frameworks applied with deep contextual knowledge of South Asia.

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Impact-Oriented Delivery

Our work translates into policies, programmes, and decisions that create lasting change.

Comprehensive Research & Consultancy Services

From field surveys to national policy recommendations, we offer end-to-end research and consultancy solutions.

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Social Science Research

Qualitative and quantitative studies exploring societal trends, community dynamics, and human behavior across diverse contexts.

Research
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Environmental Impact Assessment

Comprehensive EIA reports meeting national and international standards for development projects of all scales.

Environment
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Data Collection & Field Surveys

Large-scale household surveys, KII, FGD, and digital data collection using CAPI and other modern methodologies.

Data
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Policy Analysis

Rigorous policy review, stakeholder analysis, and evidence synthesis to inform legislative and programmatic decisions.

Policy
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Monitoring & Evaluation

Robust M&E frameworks, baseline and endline studies, and real-time performance monitoring systems.

M&E
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Data Analysis & Visualization

Advanced statistical analysis, GIS mapping, and interactive dashboards that make complex data accessible.

Analytics

Key Areas of Expertise

Our research addresses the most pressing challenges at the intersection of society and environment.

01
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Climate Change & Adaptation

Vulnerability assessments, adaptation planning, and climate finance research for frontline communities.

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02
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Urban Development

Smart city research, informal settlement studies, and inclusive urban planning frameworks.

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03
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Public Health

Health system assessments, disease burden studies, and WASH programme evaluations.

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04
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Education

Learning outcome assessments, school-to-work transition studies, and inclusive education research.

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05
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Sustainability

Corporate sustainability assessments, ESG research, and circular economy studies.

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06
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Social Inclusion

Gender equality assessments, disability studies, and marginalized community research.

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Trusted by Leading Organizations Globally

From UN agencies and bilateral donors to government ministries and academic institutions — our clients trust ResearchLearningHub to deliver research that makes a difference.

Ready to Turn Research into Real Impact?

Whether you need a rapid assessment or a multi-year research programme, our team is ready to collaborate with you.

Get in Touch Today

Research with Purpose. Knowledge with Impact.

Founded in 2012, ResearchLearningHub has grown into one of South Asia's most trusted social science and environmental research consultancies.

🎯 Our Mission

To generate rigorous, actionable research and knowledge that empowers governments, civil society, and communities to make evidence-based decisions for sustainable human development and environmental stewardship.

🔭 Our Vision

A world where research bridges the gap between knowledge and action — where social science insights and environmental evidence drive policies that leave no one behind and protect our planet for future generations.

Over a Decade of Evidence-Driven Excellence

ResearchLearningHub was established by a group of development researchers and environmental scientists who shared a common belief: that quality research, when made accessible and actionable, can transform societies. Beginning with a small team of five in Dhaka, we have grown to a multidisciplinary team of 60+ researchers, analysts, and field coordinators operating across Bangladesh and beyond. Our portfolio spans climate adaptation, urban resilience, public health systems, education reform, and inclusive economic growth.

Meet the Leadership Team

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Dr. Arman Hossain

Executive Director

PhD in Environmental Studies from University of Dhaka. 18 years of experience in climate research and policy.

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Dr. Nusrat Jahan

Director of Research

Expert in mixed-methods social research with specialization in gender and social inclusion studies.

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Md. Karim Uddin

Head of Data & Analytics

Specialist in geospatial analysis, statistical modelling, and digital data collection systems.

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Fatema Begum

Lead Environmental Scientist

15 years of EIA and environmental audit experience across infrastructure and energy sectors.

The Principles That Guide Everything We Do

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Research Integrity

We maintain the highest standards of academic rigour, transparency, and ethical conduct in all our research activities.

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Sustainability

Every project we undertake considers long-term environmental and social sustainability as a non-negotiable outcome.

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Innovation

We embrace emerging research technologies and methodologies to deliver insights that go beyond conventional approaches.

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Collaboration

We believe the best research happens through meaningful partnerships with communities, institutions, and governments.

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Equity & Inclusion

Our research actively amplifies marginalized voices and works towards more equitable development outcomes.

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Knowledge Sharing

We openly publish and disseminate our research findings to maximize public benefit and contribute to the global knowledge commons.

End-to-End Research & Consultancy Solutions

We deliver the full spectrum of research, analysis, and advisory services — from initial scoping to final policy briefs.

Social Science Research

We conduct rigorous social research using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, including household surveys, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, ethnographic fieldwork, and literature synthesis. Our researchers are trained in ethical research practices and participatory approaches that respect community rights and dignity.

We specialize in studies on poverty, gender dynamics, social cohesion, livelihoods, migration, and community resilience across rural and urban contexts in South Asia.

Household Surveys KII & FGD Ethnography Rapid Assessments
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✔ Mixed-methods research design
✔ IRB-compliant ethical protocols
✔ Nationally representative sampling
✔ Multilingual field teams


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✔ Baseline environmental audits
✔ Air, water & soil quality assessment
✔ Biodiversity and ecosystem surveys
✔ DoE and IFC compliance reporting

Environmental Impact Assessment

Our EIA services provide comprehensive assessment of environmental impacts for infrastructure, industrial, energy, and development projects. We combine field ecology, environmental engineering, and social assessment to produce holistic EIA reports that meet both national Department of Environment (DoE) requirements and international standards (IFC, World Bank, ADB).

EIA Reports Environmental Audit ESIA Ecological Survey


Data Collection & Field Surveys

We manage large-scale data collection operations across Bangladesh and the wider South Asia region. Our field teams are trained in CAPI (Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing) using SurveyCTO and KoBoToolbox, ensuring real-time data quality monitoring and rapid turnaround.

We have the capacity to deploy 200+ enumerators simultaneously and have conducted surveys covering hundreds of thousands of households.

CAPI Surveys KoBoToolbox SurveyCTO GIS Mapping
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✔ 200+ trained field enumerators
✔ Real-time data quality checks
✔ Geospatial tracking & validation
✔ Rapid turnaround & clean datasets
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Policy Analysis

We conduct in-depth analysis of existing policies, regulatory frameworks, and legislative documents to identify gaps, inconsistencies, and opportunities. Our policy briefs synthesize complex evidence into clear recommendations for decision-makers, backed by stakeholder consultations and comparative international analysis.

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Monitoring & Evaluation

We design and implement comprehensive M&E systems for development projects and programmes. Services include results framework design, baseline and endline assessments, mid-term reviews, process monitoring, and impact evaluations using experimental and quasi-experimental methods.

Our Core Research Areas

Interdisciplinary research spanning the most critical issues at the nexus of society, development, and environment.

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Climate Change & Adaptation

Bangladesh stands on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Our climate research portfolio includes community-based vulnerability and risk assessments, climate finance tracking, adaptation programme evaluations, and loss and damage studies. We work closely with the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund and international climate financing mechanisms.

Vulnerability Assessment Adaptation Planning Climate Finance Loss & Damage Disaster Risk Reduction
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Urban Development

Rapid urbanization is reshaping cities across South Asia. Our urban research examines informal settlements, urban service delivery, transportation planning, land use change, and smart city frameworks. We collaborate with city corporations, urban planners, and community organizations to co-produce knowledge for inclusive urban futures.

Informal Settlements Urban Resilience Smart City Land Use Affordable Housing
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Public Health

Our public health research portfolio spans health systems strengthening, disease burden analysis, WASH programme evaluations, maternal and child health studies, and mental health research. We have conducted major health surveys and programme evaluations for UNICEF, WHO, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh.

Health Systems WASH Maternal Health Disease Surveillance Mental Health
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Education

Learning outcomes assessment, access to education studies, teacher effectiveness research, and school-to-work transition analysis. We work with BRAC, UNICEF, and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education to advance evidence-based education reform.

Learning Assessment EMIS Inclusive Education
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Sustainability

Corporate sustainability assessment, ESG reporting support, green supply chain research, and circular economy studies. We help organizations understand and communicate their social and environmental performance.

ESG Research Circular Economy Green Supply Chain

Projects & Case Studies

A selection of our recent research engagements demonstrating our multi-sector expertise.

Climate Change · UNDP

Community Climate Vulnerability Assessment in Coastal Bangladesh

🔴 Problem

Coastal communities in three southern districts faced increasing climate risks with no systematic vulnerability data to guide adaptation investment.

🔵 Approach

Mixed-methods vulnerability assessment covering 12,000 households across 60 unions, combined with GIS-based risk mapping and stakeholder workshops.

🟢 Result

Produced district-level vulnerability atlases adopted by UNDP and local government for $25M adaptation fund allocation decisions.

📍 3 Districts · 60 Unions · 12,000 HH
Urban Development · World Bank

Informal Settlement Resilience Study — Dhaka Metropolitan Area

🔴 Problem

Rapid urbanization was creating unplanned settlements lacking services, with limited understanding of resident needs and coping strategies.

🔵 Approach

Ethnographic fieldwork, participatory mapping, and a representative survey of 8,500 slum dwellers across 45 wards of Dhaka.

🟢 Result

Research directly informed the World Bank's $350M Urban Resilience Project design and targeting criteria.

📍 Dhaka · 45 Wards · 8,500 HH
Public Health · UNICEF

National WASH Programme Endline Evaluation

🔴 Problem

A five-year national WASH programme required rigorous independent evaluation to assess impact and inform the next programme cycle.

🔵 Approach

Quasi-experimental endline survey of 18,000 households in 8 divisions, matched against baseline data, with qualitative case studies in 20 communities.

🟢 Result

Found 62% reduction in open defecation and 45% improvement in handwashing practices. Findings shaped UNICEF's new $180M WASH strategy.

📍 8 Divisions · 18,000 HH · 62% ODF improvement

Environmental Impact Assessment — Dhaka Metro Rail Extension

🔴 Problem

A major urban rail infrastructure project required a comprehensive EIA and Social Impact Assessment compliant with ADB Safeguard Policies.

🔵 Approach

Baseline ecological surveys, air and noise quality measurements, resettlement impact assessment of 4,200 project-affected persons, and public consultations in 12 wards.

🟢 Result

EIA and resettlement plan approved by ADB, enabling $1.2B project financing. Mitigation measures adopted by project authority.

📍 Dhaka Metro · 4,200 PAPs · ADB Approved

Publications & Research Outputs

We believe in open knowledge. Our publications are freely available to support researchers, policymakers, and practitioners worldwide.

Research Report

Bangladesh Climate Vulnerability Index 2024: A District-Level Analysis

ResearchLearningHub · Published March 2024 · 148 pages

A comprehensive district-by-district analysis of climate vulnerability across Bangladesh, combining physical, social, economic, and institutional dimensions into a composite index with policy recommendations.

Download PDF ↓
Whitepaper

Digital Data Collection in Low-Connectivity Environments: Lessons from 50,000+ Surveys

ResearchLearningHub · Published January 2024 · 56 pages

Practical guidance on deploying CAPI surveys in remote and connectivity-challenged settings, drawing from our decade of field experience across Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal.

Download PDF ↓
Policy Brief

Financing Climate Adaptation for Coastal Communities: Gaps and Opportunities in Bangladesh

ResearchLearningHub · Published November 2023 · 24 pages

An analysis of existing climate finance flows reaching coastal communities in Bangladesh, identifying critical gaps and proposing mechanisms for improved targeting and delivery of adaptation finance.

Download PDF ↓
Research Report

State of Urban Informality: Housing, Services and Livelihoods in Dhaka's Slums

ResearchLearningHub · Published September 2023 · 112 pages

A landmark study of Dhaka's informal settlements covering housing conditions, service access, livelihood strategies, and community social capital — based on a representative survey of 15,000 households.

Download PDF ↓
Research Brief

Gender and Climate Risk: Women's Differentiated Vulnerabilities in Flood-Prone Char Areas

ResearchLearningHub · Published June 2023 · 18 pages

A focused research brief examining how gender inequalities compound climate vulnerability in Bangladesh's riverine char (sandbar island) communities, with targeted policy recommendations.

Download PDF ↓
Whitepaper

Integrating Community Knowledge in Environmental Impact Assessments: A Practitioner's Guide

ResearchLearningHub · Published March 2023 · 72 pages

Methodological guidance for EIA practitioners on systematically incorporating indigenous and local knowledge into environmental baseline assessments and impact prediction processes.

Download PDF ↓

Research Blog & Perspectives

Our researchers share insights, methods, and perspectives on the issues shaping social science and environmental research today.

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Climate Change

Why Loss and Damage Isn't Just a Financial Question — It's a Research Imperative

The COP28 breakthrough on loss and damage finance creates urgent new research needs. Here's what social scientists and environmental researchers need to measure.

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Urban Development

Beyond Slum Upgrading: Rethinking the Research Agenda for Dhaka's Urban Poor

Traditional slum upgrading programmes often miss the complexity of informal urban systems. New research frameworks are needed to capture the full picture.

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Research Methods

Five Hard Lessons from Running 50,000 CAPI Surveys in Rural Bangladesh

A candid reflection on the practical challenges of large-scale digital data collection — from connectivity issues to enumerator bias — and how we've addressed them.

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Public Health

The Mental Health Crisis in Flood-Displaced Communities: An Overlooked Dimension

Humanitarian response to flooding in Bangladesh has focused on physical recovery, but our research reveals a growing mental health emergency that demands urgent attention.

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Sustainability

Can Bangladesh's Garment Sector Lead on Circular Economy? Early Evidence Says Yes

New research on circular practices in the ready-made garment industry reveals surprising pockets of innovation — and a significant scaling challenge ahead.

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Education

What the PISA Results Don't Tell Us: A South Asian Research Perspective on Learning Poverty

Global learning assessments like PISA miss millions of children in low-income countries. Here's what locally developed assessment tools reveal about learning in Bangladesh.

Let's Start a Research Partnership

Whether you have a project brief or just an idea, we'd love to hear from you. Our team typically responds within 24 hours.

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Office Address

House 12, Road 7, Block C
Banani, Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh

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Email Us

info@researchlearninghub.org
research@researchlearninghub.org

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Call Us

+880 2-8833 4567
+880 17XX-XXXXXX

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Office Hours

Sunday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: Closed

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Find Us on the Map

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House 12, Road 7, Block C, Banani, Dhaka-1213
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