IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC)
Technology for the Benefit of Humanity // Villanova University, USA / October 23-26, 2024

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Announcing GHTC 2024 Call for Papers

October 23-26, 2024
Villanova University, Pennsylvania USA
https://ieeeghtc.org/

Deadline: May 19, 2024

Download CFP (PDF)

The 14th IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (IEEE GHTC 2024) is a flagship international conference sharing practical, technology-enabled solutions that address the needs of underserved communities in resource-constrained environments around the world. Submissions should discuss work done to alleviate poverty, provide education and connectivity, and create equitable access to water, energy, and secure food sources with minimal impact on the planet and environment.

GHTC 2024 will be hosted at Villanova University (Pennsylvania, USA) on October 23-26, 2024.

NOTE: While GHTC 2024 will be primarily in-person, there will be a ’Virtual track’ for remote presentations.

Stakeholders from public and private organizations, education and research institutes, societal and government organizations, and the funding and donor sectors are invited to submit Full Papers (project results) and Project Talks (fieldwork in progress) that share insight, experience, best practice and lessons learned from a research, policy, practitioner and/or community perspective.  Papers should present analysis of research results or a case study. General project descriptions or project proposals are not appropriate. Submissions will be assessed for quality, work done, relevance, consideration of ethical issues, methodological vigor and potential for actual impact.
Submissions by community representatives, practitioners (governmental, for-profit and nonprofit), academics, private sector organizations and policy makers describing intervention design and implementation, field experiences and best practices, case studies, project monitoring and evaluation results, and original research are sought. Of particular interest are works that highlight community engagement and collaboration as well as long-term engagement. Paper submissions should include results that have not previously been published and have not been submitted to another conference or journal.
The conference is structured to provide ample opportunity and environments for extensive interaction between attendees. A congruence between the presentation of mature research and reportage of ongoing projects provides an environment in which seasoned practitioners and students new to the field can ask questions and share lessons learned. 
Please note that all submissions will undergo a Plagiarism Check before being assigned for blind peer review by  experienced subject matter experts.

IEEE GHTC 2024 Thematic areas are centered around the UN Sustainable Development Goals and include (but are not limited to):

Focus AreaTopics
Good Health and Well Being (ref: SDG3)E.g.: Healthcare, Medical technology, Telemedicine, Mobile Clinics, Primary Care and Nutrition.
Affordable & Clean Energy (ref: SDG7)E.g.: Generation, and Distribution of Renewable Energy; Off-grid Energy for Lighting, Cooking and Heating; Decentralized Energy Resources (DER); Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES); Renewable Energy Management (REM); Smart Grid, Micro/Nano Grid; Energy Management Systems (EMS); Battery Management Systems (BMS); Hybrid & Electric Vehicles (HEV); Bio-energies; Waste-to-Energy.
Communication/Connectivity in Support of DevelopmentE.g.: Communication and Information Technologies, Systems, and Applications; Social Media and Its Application.
Disaster Mitigation, Preparedness, Response and RecoveryE.g.: Disaster Planning and Preparedness; Predictive, Warning and Response Systems; Community Mobilization; Monitoring and Evaluation of Community Response, Shelters; Short and/or long term survival strategy after a disaster.
Technologies that promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls (ref: SDG5)E.g.: Information and Communication Technology for Empowerment; Diversity and Inclusion; Leadership development and decision making; Legal frameworks; Time-tracking; Literacy
Quality Education (ref: SDG4)E.g.: Training and Capacity Building; Programs; Methods and Service Learning.
Clean Water and Sanitation (ref: SDG6)E.g.: Clean Water; Sanitation; Solid Waste Management; Disease Vector Control; Drainage and Hygiene.
Decent Work and Economic Growth (ref: SDG8)E.g.: Innovation in Industry and Infrastructure; Entrepreneurship Programs (including social entrepreneurship), Sustainable Business Models, Social Enterprises, Workforce Development Programs (e.g. digital literacy programs), Innovative Business Financing Models.
Agriculture and Food Security (ref: SDG2)E.g.: Agricultural Technologies, Irrigation and Farming Practices.
Technology Impacts on Societal EvolutionE.g. Technology Design, Adoption and Dissemination; Human-Centered System Design; Behavior change and technology adoption; Collaborative design; Other Technology Impacts
Other Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (ref: SDGs 9, 11, 12, 14)E.g.: Commercialization of Humanitarian Technologies; Community engagement, Capacity-building, and Behavior Change; Deployment, Scale-up, Distribution; Humanitarian Challenges & Opportunities; Infrastructure, Information, and Human Security; Participatory Methods; Ocean Health and Climate Change Mitigation.

In addition to describing technological aspects, ethical and sustainability challenges, submissions are encouraged to consider socio-cultural, socio-economic, environmental and policy perspectives, and explain how holistic, development-related good practices such as skills, capacity building, community ownership, co-design, collaborative open innovation, and Theory of Change are applied.

Two types of submissions are invited for presentation at GHTC:

Full Papers: for Publication and Presentation: mature results, tested innovations, or completed projects that should not exceed eight pages. mature results or completed projects and should not exceed eight pages.

Oral-Only Project Talks: discussion of fieldwork in progress (with insufficient results for a full paper) that addresses intention, unexpected challenges, unintended outcomes, successes, and failures. Oral-Only submissions should be described in one or two pages.

 

NOTE: we are also accepting proposals for multi-stakeholder Special Sessions (e.g. demo, panel, discussion; up to 8 pages)  deadline May 19.
Accepted Full Papers and Oral-Only Project Talk presentations will be grouped thematically to facilitate focused discussion, community building and networking based on common interests.

Important Dates

Full Paper and Oral-only submission for review deadlineMay 19, 2024
Special Sessions (e.g. demo, panel, discussion) deadlineMay 19, 2024
Notification of acceptance / revision requirementsJune 23, 2024
Submission of Final Full Paper and Oral-only Presentation ("Camera ready")July 29, 2024
Author Copyright forms deadlinesame as Final deadline
Author early registration deadlineJuly 30, 2024
Early registration deadlineSeptember 30, 2024
Conference DatesOctober 23 - 26, 2024
Accepted papers presented by an original author or co-author during the conference will be published in the IEEE GHTC 2024 Conference Proceedings, and submitted for publication in IEEE Xplore®

IEEE GHTC 2024 is Sponsored by IEEE Region 6, IEEE Philadelphia Section and IEEE SSIT, with Technical Co-Sponsorship expected by IEEE-USA, IEEE CTS, IEEE EMBS, IEEE MTT-S, IEEE PELS, IEEE PES, the IEEE Smart Village Initiative and IEEE-SA.

2023 sponsors

GHTC 2023 Program Announced

GHTC 2023 is pleased to announce the preliminary conference program.

The 13th IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (IEEE GHTC 2023) will take place in person at Villanova University (Pennsylvania) from October 11  to 14, 2023.

Registration is openEarly rates extended to September 26. See the GHTC 2023 Registration page for details on fees and options.

[Note that the participating GHTC hotels have various deadlines for making reservations at their GHTC rates. See https://ieeeghtc.org/accomodations/]

See the GHTC 2023 Program pages for details.

GHTC is a flagship international conference supporting achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), bringing together people working on the application of technology to addressing critical issues for the benefit of the resource-constrained and vulnerable populations in the world.

GHTC focuses of these sustainable goals:

  • Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG7)
  • Agriculture and Food Security (SDG2)
  • Communication/Connectivity in Support of Development
  • Disaster Mitigation, Preparedness, Response and Recovery
  • Quality Education (SDG4)
  • Good Health and Well Being (SDG3)
  • Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG6)
  • Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG8)
  • Technologies that promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls (SDG5)
  • Technology Impacts on Societal Evolution

Why Attend?

  • Participate in an extensive, vibrant, and innovative technical program
  • Learn from world-class knowledgeable practitioners working in the field
  • Exchange information, share experiences and network with attendees actively involved in the fields
  • Gain visibility and recognition for your humanitarian work, projects and ideas
  • Find new resources and potential partners or investors

GHTC 2023 features:

Pre Conference Workshops

Energy Access Educators Workshop

October 10-11, 2023
The Inn at Villanova

This two-day workshop sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) brings together educators, practitioners, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders in the domains of electricity access and associated sustainable business model development.

Registration required; see here for details.

GHTC 2023 Pre-Conference Workshops on Wednesday, October 11

Included with GHTC 2023 registration.

  • A Roadmap for Geospatial Analysis, presented by Mathworks, 2:30-4:00 PM
  • Exploring Challenges in Education and Research When Advancing Technology for Humanitarian Efforts, presented by Elsevier, 4:00-5:00 PM

GHTC Pre-Conference Souk

Wednesday October 11 5:00-9:00 pm

Light food/cash bar from 6:30-8:30 pm

GHTC 2023 is reinventing the opening reception. The GHTC 2023 souk (‘open air bazaar’) will commence at 6:30PM on Wednesday October 11th in the ballroom of The Inn at Villanova University. All attendees are urged/encouraged to arrive with material to post.

GHTC 2023 registration not required, but pre-registration required for display space, sign-up here.

Plenary and Keynote Sessions

World renowned speakers:

  • Opening Session – October 12:

Jordan Ermilio, Villanova University
Varun Loomba, Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE)
Mou Riiny, SunGate Solar Ltd, South Sudan

  • Conference Banquet – October 13:

Dr. Krista Donaldson, Stanford University

IEEE Humanitarian Panel (1230 – 1400 on October 12)

Stephanie Gillespie, EPICS in IEEE Committee Chair
Kit August, IEEE Humanitarian Technology Board
Ed Rezek, IEEE Smart Village

Connectivity Panel (0800 – 1000 on October 13)

Mei Lin Fung, People-Centered Internet
Chris Clement Igiraneza, KIT-HUB

Young Professionals Panel (1030 – 1230 on October 13)

Kory Hansen, Counterpart International
Wayne Lifshitz, Chemonics Inc
Ben Savonen, Global Development Incubator

 

Technical Sessions

Over 80 papers in 10 tracks; on-site and remote presentations.

See preliminary program schedule in EDAS.

Speakers

GHTC 2023 Sponsors

Energy Access Educators Workshop

GHTC 2023  Pre-Conference Workshop

Energy Access Educators Workshop

October 10-11, 2023
The Inn at Villanova
Villanova, Pennsylvania

This two-day workshop sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) brings together educators, practitioners, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders in the domains of electricity access and associated sustainable business model development. The overarching goal of the workshop is to enhance and expand undergraduate engineering courses and activities on electricity access and corresponding sustainable business models.

The workshop will include targeted discussions, panel sessions, networking opportunities, and open-ended discussions. Keynote presentations from experienced practitioners and educators will be featured.

The workshop will be held in October 2023 at Villanova University, immediately preceding the IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference.

Hotel accommodations for two nights and all meals during the workshop will be covered by the NSF grant. In the registration page, please indicate if you will need hotel accommodation. We will make the hotel reservations for all attendees that require hotel accommodation.

We look forward to seeing you at the workshop in October.

For details and registration see https://www1.villanova.edu/university/engineering/about-us/news-events/events/2023/Energy-Access-Workshop.html

 

Announcing GHTC 2023 Pre-Conference Souk

What: The GHTC Souk – our marketplace of impact

Date/Time: Wednesday, 11-Oct-23 @ 5-9 pm (evening before GHTC 2023 opening)

Light food/cash bar from 6:30-8:30 pm

Location: Inn at Villanova Ballroom

Sign-up: Below (Deadline 26-Sep)

GHTC 2023 is reinventing the opening reception. The GHTC 2023 souk (‘open air bazaar’) will commence at 5:00 PM on Wednesday October 11th in the ballroom of The Inn at Villanova University, with light food and cash bar. This event is free to all attendees, but we ask that you sign up for a ticket at the link below for planning purposes and a complementary beverage.

Designed as a universal marketplace for easy exchanges of ideas and introductions to fellow conference participants, all attendees are urged/encouraged to arrive with material to post. We’ll provide the means for you to display whatever you provide. Posters can be anything from a picture or hastily scribbled note to a full-fledged research poster or exhibit – hardware and demos are welcome. Practitioners, academics, students, and all who are curious are invited to display and/or browse. All we ask is that it be sufficiently legible for passersby to read from about 3ft. Material posted will remain displayed for the duration of the conference to provide easy access to attendee’s interests.

Attendees are requested to sign-up below to ensure they have a display space.

Note: Separate to the souk will be a session on Oct. 13 in which submissions accepted as posters are presented to the conference.

 

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Your Affiliation (eg College, University or Organization) (required)

    Your Topic (required)

    I certify that I am the author or a co-author and have contributed in a meaningful way to the development of this work and content thereof. (required)

    I accept the IEEE Terms and Conditions and the IEEE Privacy Policy. (required)

    GHTC 2023 Registration is now Open

    We are pleased to announce that registration for GHTC 2023 is now OPEN.

    Early attendee rates extended to September 26

    See the Registration page for options and link.

    See the Program page for the and information on the sessions.

    Note that

    • All Designated Presenters (including students) must register at the Presenter Rate.
    • Presenter Registration includes up to two presentations (Paper or Oral).
    • When presenting papers, the presenter must be an original author or co-author.
    • Reduced attendee rates for students (including co-authors) and IEEE Life Members.
    • Registration includes, for onsite attendance, Continental breakfast and lunch during technical sessions.
    • Virtual Presenter registration can be accommodated; there is no virtual attendee option (virtual presentations will be in their own track(s) – no hybrid.
    • If you need a US Visa, you must be paid and you can request during registration.
    • Early rates: Presenter Ends 11:59 pm PST July 30, 2023 Aug. 31, 2023; Attendee ends 11:59 pm PST Sept. 12, 2023 Sept. 26, 2023.

     

    Announcing GHTC 2023 Call for Papers

    October 12-15, 2023
    Villanova University, Pennsylvania USA
    https://ieeeghtc.org/

    Deadline Extended: May 31, 2023

    Download CFP (PDF)

    The 13th IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (IEEE GHTC 2023) is a flagship international conference sharing practical technology-enabled solutions supporting achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) by addressing the needs of underserved communities in resource-constrained environments around the world. GHTC 2023 will be hosted at Villanova University (Pennsylvania) on October 12-15.

    NOTE: While GHTC 2023 will be primarily in-person, there will be a ’Virtual track’ for remote presentations.

    Stakeholders from the public, private, education and research, societal, funding and donor sectors are invited to submit Oral Presentation or Poster proposals, Short Papers (early-stage results) and Full Papers (mature results) that share Sustainable Development, ICT4D and Humanitarian Technology related insights, experiences, best practices and lessons learned from a research, policy, practitioner and/or community perspective.  Papers should present analysis of initial or final research results or a case study. General project descriptions are not appropriate. Submissions will be assessed for quality, relevance, consideration of ethical issues, methodological vigor and potential or actual impact.

    Continue reading

    GHTC 2022 Best Paper Awards

    GHTC 2022 Best Papers Awards presented at the Opening Ceremony

    Best Paper Awards

    • Ashley Mo and Emma Gui (University of Toronto Schools, Canada); Richard Fletcher (MIT, USA & Massachusetts General Hospital, USA)

    “Use of Voluntary Cough Sounds and Deep Learning for Pulmonary Disease Screening in Low-Resource Areas”

    • Brandon K Simons, Pritpal Singh, Iain Hunt and Jordan Ermilio (Villanova University, USA)

    “The repurposing of nickel metal hydride hybrid electric vehicle batteries for solar energy storage applications in rural Pacific Island communities”

    Best Paper Honorable Mention

    • Anne Schneibel, Nina Merkle, Marc Wieland, Konstanze Lechner, Seyedmajid Azimi, Fabian Henkel, Corentin Henry, Ralph Kiefl, Xiangtian Yuan and Monika Gaehler (German Aerospace Center, Germany)

    “User-driven flood response & monitoring information – Key findings of the Data4Human project”