The Humanitarian Logistics Laboratory (HELP), established in 2015 and based in Katerini, aims to advance research, innovation, and training in the field of humanitarian logistics. The laboratory focuses on supporting supply chain management in crisis situations by combining academic expertise with practical application. Its primary mission is to address the challenges associated with preparing for, providing assistance during, and recovering from crises and emergencies. HELP's goals include conducting cutting-edge research, developing innovative solutions, and offering educational services to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of businesses in humanitarian logistics.
The Laboratory focuses on interdisciplinary research that spans logistics, supply chain management, and disaster preparedness. The research areas include optimizing supply chain networks for rapid response, developing resilient logistics systems, and leveraging technology for improved coordination in humanitarian aid campaigns. Through empirical studies and data-driven analyses, the HELP Laboratory aims to contribute ideas and practical solutions to the humanitarian community. The Laboratory serves as a hub of innovation, promoting the development of new technologies and methodologies tailored to the unique demands of humanitarian logistics. This includes collaboration with academia, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies to translate theory into practical solutions. The HELP Laboratory fosters a culture of creativity and problem-solving to address real-world challenges in the humanitarian sector. Additionally, a core aspect of the Laboratory's profile is its commitment to education and training, offering workshops and training courses to equip current and future professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for effective humanitarian logistics.
Recognizing the global nature of humanitarian crises, the Humanitarian Logistics Laboratory actively participates in international collaboration. Specifically, the Laboratory coordinated the HELP project, funded by the Interreg IPA CBC CCI 2014 TC 16 I5CB 009 cross-border cooperation program. Within this project, the International Hellenic University closely collaborated with policymakers (the Ministry of Interior in Greece and the Southeastern Region in North Macedonia), as well as civil protection authorities (Crises Management Center in North Macedonia, the official civil protection body of the neighboring country) and NGOs active in the humanitarian crisis field (Hellenic Rescue Team) to enhance the strategic and operational effectiveness of public administration and public services in managing natural disasters in the broader cross-border area between Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia. The primary outcome of this research project was the design and development of a complex of three interconnected containers, forming an integrated operations center for the provision of humanitarian aid (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence Centers – C4I Units), along with a medical unit (MED Unit) for the provision of first aid. More information about the project is available at:
HELP Animation video
Additionally, partnerships with other research institutions, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and the private sector facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices. These collaborations contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges in humanitarian logistics and support the development of solutions that can be implemented both globally and locally.
The HELP Laboratory embraces technological advancements as a cornerstone of its profile. This includes exploring the integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance traceability, transparency, and efficiency in humanitarian supply chains. The laboratory serves as a testing ground for the practical application of such technologies in real humanitarian scenarios. Specifically, the Humanitarian Logistics Laboratory is equipped with a highly advanced and innovative C4I unit, which is also powered by an advanced decision-support software system that aids in incident management, resource management, and the integration of various critical data and information. The available infrastructure enables seamless connectivity between control centers and field teams by transmitting data to smartphones and tablets. Ensuring communication between the operational center and the field allows personnel near the crisis site to update event details, access databases, and exchange audio and visual messages.
A critical aspect of the HELP Laboratory is its commitment to community engagement. The Laboratory actively participates in outreach programs, knowledge exchange initiatives, and capacity-building projects to ensure that the benefits of research and innovation reach the wider public, directly impacting populations affected by humanitarian crises. The Laboratory also plays a role in policy design in the field of humanitarian logistics. Through its scientific findings, expertise, and involvement in collaborative research projects, the Humanitarian Logistics Laboratory contributes to the development of policies that enhance preparedness, response, and the resilience of logistics systems in disaster and emergency situations.
In conclusion, the HELP Humanitarian Logistics Laboratory is a dynamic and collaborative entity dedicated to advancing the understanding and practical application of logistics in the context of humanitarian aid. Through research, innovation, education, and community engagement, the HELP Laboratory plays a crucial role in shaping the field of humanitarian logistics and, ultimately, in improving organizational preparedness in disaster response and aid delivery efforts.
