About us
Syed Imran Ali, PhD
Syed Imran Ali is an experienced humanitarian responder and engineering researcher dedicated to tackling urgent water and health challenges in emergency settings. Drawing on extensive field operational research experience with organizations like MSF and UNHCR across South Sudan, Pakistan, Jordan, Rwanda, and Uganda, Dr. Ali translates engineering research into practical, lifesaving solutions for frontline responders.
At York University’s Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, Dr. Ali leads the Humanitarian Water Engineering Lab and serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Lassonde School of Engineering. He has authored more than 15 peer-reviewed publications in leading engineering and global health journals, delivered over 60 presentations to practitioners, policymakers, and scientists, and secured over a dozen research grants totalling more than $2 million.
Dr. Ali’s work includes founding and leading the Safe Water Optimization Tool, a machine learning-enabled water quality modelling platform that helps humanitarian responders ensure water safety in crises. He holds a PhD in environmental engineering from the University of Guelph and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley.
James Brown, MEng FRSA
James Brown is a humanitarian WASH expert with over 12 years of experience designing and implementing water, sanitation, and public health interventions in crisis settings. His work spans emergency responses and large-scale programmes across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East with organisations such as Oxfam, NRC, and the Global WASH Cluster. From leading contingency planning ahead of the Mosul offensive to managing WASH responses during the Ebola outbreak, Mr. Brown has contributed to complex humanitarian challenges.
Mr Brown’s work focuses on integrating user-centred design and data-driven tools to enhance the quality and accountability of WASH programming. He has authored key technical guidance on market-based approaches and quality assurance for the Global WASH Cluster and supported capacity-building initiatives for humanitarian responders.
Mr. Brown holds a Master’s in Product Design Engineering from the University of Glasgow and the Glasgow School of Art. His expertise in engineering, design, and strategy continues to drive innovation and practical solutions in WASH, improving outcomes for communities affected by emergencies. He is a Fellow of the the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and commerce.
Services
Research
We conduct cutting-edge research to innovate, enhance, and scale technologies and practices for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in humanitarian emergencies. By combining field evidence with data-driven analysis, our research delivers practical solutions that address the unique challenges of crisis-affected communities and help humanitarian responders deliver safe and sustainable WASH services globally.
Consulting
Our expert consulting services support humanitarian organisations to design and implement effective WASH programmes. From technical guidance on water supply systems to data analysis and project evaluation, we provide tailored support to ensure interventions that safeguard the health, dignity, and well-being in vulnerable populations.
Training
We build capacity through tailored training programmes for humanitarian professionals and communities. Our workshops and courses equip participants with the knowledge and skills to implement impactful WASH solutions, enhancing their ability to respond effectively to emergencies and promote long-term sustainability.
Impact Waterworks 