Research programmes

The world's population is living longer, presenting challenges to health, long-term care and economies. By investigating the health and social wellbeing of communities, our research results in positive change. We conduct social, economic and health research that supports national and international study, and informs policy debate. Through an in-depth analysis of health and social circumstances, digital technology and evaluation of policy initiatives, we enable healthier and wealthier lives for our ageing population, and deliver support for people with dementia and their families.

Academic Lead: Professor Catherine Hennessy

Social division and exclusion are increasing worldwide. We tackle inequality by analysing social networks, geographies and big data technologies. We leverage well-established computing and mathematical techniques, and apply them to new settings to promote equality, inclusion and fairness. For example, we use spatial analysis to detect patterns of inequality. This could be modelling health inequality and access to the sea, parks or woodland; or establishing a correlation between dementia rates and proximity to busy roads. By combining existing research strengths in social networks, geographical analysis and big data technologies, we analyse population and country-scale datasets to highlight social issues on a global scale.

Academic Lead: Dr Alexander Brownlee

Research Development Officer: Fiona Millar 

Intelligent machines are making increasingly sophisticated decisions, but, without context, they bring risk. We seek to enhance machine-based decision-making to positively impact society. Machines are being asked to make more complex decisions, but these decisions are fragile if the context in which they are to be made is lacking. Humans use context to make decisions. By exploring the role of context in relation to human behaviour, we develop computational and machine learnings and capabilities to the point where decision-making becomes more effective and, therefore, more beneficial to society as a whole.

Academic Lead: Professor Bruce Graham

Digital technologies – electronic technology that generates, stores and processes data such as mobiles, social media and online applications – pervade our everyday lives. Promoting effective and engaged use of digital technology is at the core of our work in this area. From a social science as well as an arts and humanities perspective, we explore the way digital technologies, connectivity and innovation interact with society and culture, focusing on the overall impact on individuals, institutions and communities.

Academic Lead: Dr Terrie Lynn Thompson

Human behaviour is having an impact on health. We explore behaviours that can improve lives, and influence policy to drive change. By understanding the link between behaviour and health, and through ground-breaking initiatives in relation to physical exercise, tobacco control and addiction studies, we challenge behaviours that negatively impact health and wellbeing. Our research can drive policy change that will, in turn, to influence behaviour and improve people’s lives.

Programme contacts

• Academic Programme Lead: Proffesor Ronan O'Carroll