Out of the lab and into refugee camps: STEM and humanitarian aid

In the first of a new series, we look at how science, technology and engineering are helping those affected by war, natural disasters and homelessness

Here in the northern hemisphere the days have become shorter, and the wind colder. Winter is coming, and with it fresh threats to those in the overcrowded refugee camps at Calais, in Greece and elsewhere in Europe. On the streets of our towns and cities, the homeless will face increased challenges from the cold and seasonal illness. And of course, these issues are not isolated to cold-weather climes. Disease, overcrowding, lack of hygiene, lack of shelter: these are the problems that shape the response to homelessness and humanitarian crises worldwide.