Research Fields

At University of Derby Greece ULE, research is developed in the following fields:

• Behaviour and Mental Health

This field focuses on the study of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural factors that shape human attitudes and practices, as well as their relationship with wellbeing, physical health, and mental health. Indicative research topics include: perceptions, attitudes and behaviour, emotional intelligence, cognitive functions, social identity, wellbeing, health, and mental health.

• Education and Inclusion

This field concerns the educational process and related policies, with emphasis on children’s rights, intercultural education, the inclusion of minorities, and the study of educational inequalities. Indicative research topics include: children’s rights, intercultural education & minorities, assessment in early childhood education, inequalities in education.

• Sustainable Economy

This field focuses on the functioning of financial markets, economic policies, and structural changes affecting development, as well as strategic management, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. Indicative research topics include: structural changes, economic policies and economic development, money and capital markets, corporate social responsibility, sustainability and marketing, luxury branding, social media & digital marketing, consumer behaviour.

• Digital Innovation

This field includes the study and development of modern digital technologies and infrastructures, with emphasis on intelligent systems, cybersecurity, human–computer interaction, and user and consumer behaviour in digital environments. Indicative research topics include: intelligent systems and machine learning, advanced cybersecurity and digital resilience, human-computer interaction and digital experiences, simulation, realism and real-time graphics, cloud computing, edge computing, and future infrastructures.

Research programmes are also developed in the recognised areas of excellence of the parent University of Derby, ensuring strategic alignment and collaboration between the two institutions. The main themes include:

• Business, Economy and Social Policy: Joint work on issues of regional economic resilience, social innovation, entrepreneurship ecosystems, and sustainable development.
• Public Services: Joint research on healthcare service delivery, public administration, digital transformation of the public sector, and workforce development.
• Net Zero Carbon Emissions: Collaboration on renewable energy solutions, climate change adaptation strategies, biodiversity restoration, and sustainable urban planning.
• Data Science: Joint initiatives in artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics for healthcare and the environment, as well as ethical frameworks for data use.

The research laboratories of University of Derby Greece ULE operate under internal regulations with clear access and usage protocols, ensuring data protection. In collaboration with the parent university, they aim to develop pioneering research with practical applications for society, education, and the economy, strengthening the connection between academic knowledge and contemporary needs.

The laboratories are organised into structured research groups, each focusing on specific research topics and challenges. Each group consists of academic staff, researchers, postdoctoral associates, and doctoral students. The groups collaborate with one another in order to promote interdisciplinary research and leverage diverse research approaches and methodologies.

The research activities of the laboratories include basic and applied research, the development of partnerships and programmes with external organisations, the creation of innovative tools and models for various sectors, as well as the provision of scientific, technological, and consultancy services to third parties.

The research laboratories are equipped with modern infrastructure and advanced technologies that support the conduct of quantitative, qualitative, and laboratory research, providing access to specialised facilities, digital resources, and data analysis software. At the same time, they place particular emphasis on the education and training of students and early-career researchers by offering opportunities to participate in research projects, as well as seminars that strengthen their research and technical skills.

Furthermore, they actively promote collaboration and networking with universities, research centres, organisations, and businesses at national and international level, enhancing knowledge exchange and the development of joint research initiatives. Their operation is based on strict principles of research ethics, ensuring the protection of personal data, the informed consent of participants, and scientific integrity.

At the same time, they implement procedures for the regular evaluation of their activities and outcomes, aiming at continuous improvement and the maintenance of high-quality standards. Finally, they place particular importance on the publication and dissemination of research results through scientific journals, conferences, and collaborations with organisations, contributing both to scientific progress and social innovation.