Supervisor: Dr Ismail Abushaikha
3D printing has emerged as a transformative technology in humanitarian relief operations, offering rapid, localised, and cost-effective solutions for producing essential supplies. This innovation has the potential to reshape humanitarian supply networks by reducing dependence on traditional supply chains, minimising lead times, and enabling on-demand production in crisis zones. NGOs and relief agencies are increasingly leveraging 3D printing to manufacture medical devices, temporary shelters, water filtration systems, and spare parts. However, integrating 3D printing into humanitarian logistics raises critical questions regarding supply chain efficiency, scalability, and long-term sustainability.
This research will explore how 3D printing interacts with humanitarian supply networks. Potential research areas include:
- How can 3D printing enhance supply chain resilience and responsiveness in humanitarian operations?
- What are the logistical and infrastructural challenges of integrating 3D printing into humanitarian supply networks?
- How do NGOs and humanitarian agencies coordinate the procurement and distribution of raw materials for 3D printing in crisis settings?
- What role do local communities play in adopting and sustaining 3D printing technologies within humanitarian supply networks?
- How does the use of 3D printing impact traditional humanitarian warehousing strategies?
Candidate Details
Candidates should ideally have experience in logistics, supply chain management, disaster response, humanitarian relief, or engineering. A background in additive manufacturing, international development, or operational research is also relevant. A Master’s degree is desirable but not essential.
Interested candidates should contact Dr Ismail Abushaikha (ismail.abushaikha@cranfield.ac.uk) with a preliminary research proposal and details of relevant literature reviewed.
