Research programs
We research and develop to address the needs of the professional field with both hands. We do so with a preference for participatory research, a heart for vulnerable target groups, and always on the lookout for ways to allow organisations to grow with the new challenges. We develop tools and textbooks and organise lectures and workshops. This is how we make a difference in our research programs.
Together works
Many organisation have a staff shortage, high work pressure, and changing teams. A lot of flexibility and effort is also expected of employees. Those elements lead to a request for agile and dynamic leadership in which the wellbeing of the staff is key. This programme is focussed on the collaboration within and between organisation, agile leadership, wellbeing at work, and the impact of coaching. Through practice-oriented scientific research, we want to develop efficient tools and methodologies to collaborate in the promotion of manageable and feasible work.
People, society and digitalisation
In the healthcare sector, for quite some time now there is a demand for the development of online help methodologies and support in the implementation. We support organisations in the implementation, and explore the challenges and opportunities of AI applications. We have attention for increasing the digital inclusion and the development of the competences of social professionals. In this way, we want to support and strengthen online and blended care.
Innovation in the childcare sector
Today, childcare is experiencing a lot of pressure. Daycare for babies and toddlers as well as the entire out-of-school childcare are going through big reformations. Our research programme is focussed on finding innovative solutions for challenges in childcare, with the emphasis on the quality of care. From the practice-oriented research, we formulate concrete recommendations and we design tools for practice and policy. Our goal? A strong childcare of quality that gives the children a strong start!
Participation in practice
We explore how to truly engage people. Sometimes children, young people, families, and seniors encounter obstacles that organizations don't always see. You work with them and want to know how to prevent this. We explore where things go wrong and how you can make your work more accessible, human, and inclusive through small, conscious choices. We help you not only better reach vulnerable groups but also use play and interaction as engines for growth and reconnect generations.
View all our research projects
Collaborate with us
We engage in diverse forms of collaboration with our professional sector for research and innovation. Varying in intensity, flows of financing, term, and finality: Collaborative Research Agreements, collaborations via co-financing or with external project funding, collaboration via participation in design sessions, advisory committees, etc. For future research projects we are constantly looking for partners active in the sector. Do you have a question or would you like to collaborate? Contact us. We will gladly discuss and determine how we can reinforce each other!
Services for companies and organisations
Is your organisation facing a challenge or would you like to tackle a social problem? Through bachelor's theses, internships, student consultancy assignments, or services provided by expert lecturers and expert researchers, a challenge or idea can be researched and/or shaped. Another option is being a partner in a research project.
Blikopener
Are you an entrepreneur of an SME or a social profit organisation? Thanks to Blikopener of the Flemish Agency Entrepreneurship and Innovation (VLAIO) we can support you without any obligation in your search for solutions to practical problems or questions. We put our practice-oriented research results and experts at your disposal.
Discover our labs
You can visit our labs to get acquainted with the latest technologies and innovations. Our experts will work with you on a specific question, formulate tangible recommendations, and develop custom prototypes. They are open spaces where there is room for experimentation, co-creation, and creativity.
Request your custom solution
We help you formulate your specific research question and the desired approach.
About expertise centre People and Society
We are committed to society and that is why we like to innovate with you. Expertise centre People and Society fully commits to participatory research on social challenges and innovation of the social profit sector.
