Research

We work with the concept of “engaged research”. This signifies that our research always attempts to engage with relevant parties and contexts outside the university, helping to influence and shape the society of the future.

Our research is cultural-analytical and based on qualitative methods. Our methodology includes ethnographic fieldwork with in-depth interviews, participant observations, and other methods involving the people who are the focus of our research. We pay particular attention to everyday practices, structures, and culture. Additionally, we often work across disciplines with researchers using quantitative methods. The interplay of quantitative and qualitative methods provides both breadth and depth of insight, which can be crucial in some projects.

Focus areas

  • Aging
  • Obesity
  • Food, diet, and nutrition
  • Health promotion, prevention, and health literacy
  • Role of the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) in health and disease
  • Psychiatry and mental illnesses
  • Welfare technology
  • Labor market
  • Diseases and treatment practices

Projects

Enabling the matching of volunteers (EMOVE)

IT support for NGOs’ work: How do we create the perfect match between volunteers and NGOs? Through the development of IT systems, the project will improve matchmaking between volunteers and organizations to free up more space for human contact. (In Danish).

Lifelong oral health (SMUHL)

Improving the dental health of vulnerable older people: when, why, and in whom does severe oral disease occur in vulnerable older people? What interventions can increase attachment to dental care and focus on oral health in frail older people? (In Danish).

Support networks in public digitalization

What is a digital support person? How do we help each other when we become uncertain about public digital self-service systems? Based on the government’s latest digitalization strategy from May 2022, the project examines on the concept of the “digital support person.”.

From working life to senior life (FATS)

How do we ensure health and well-being in the transition from working life to senior life? In collaboration with municipalities from all over the country, the research project will involve the development of initiatives, methods, and activities that can help facilitate the transition from working life to senior life.

Previous projects