The research Centre Health and Applied Technology conducts national and international research into the interaction between people and technology, with a focus on improving health and quality of life. Our vision is to generate high‑level research-based knowledge and ensure that this knowledge contributes to the foundation of UCN’s educational programs and supports the development of professional practice and the private sector.

Through close collaboration with educational programs, the practice field, and both private and public organisations, we continuously work to build a strong local, regional, national, and international research contribution. Our approach is consistently interdisciplinary and participatory, where the research centre also contributes to educating digitally competent students and course participants to understand the significance of the interplay between people and technology within the social and health sectors.

In our research, we collaborate with public and private partners to develop and improve the use of technology in the social and health sectors. The researchers at the centre have extensive experience in managing both large and small projects that benefit citizens and professionals.

Our research activities are rooted in two key focus areas:

1. Digital Health Literacy
   We investigate the digital health competencies of citizens, patients, health professionals, and organisations, including how differences in these competencies can create inequality.
   
   
2. Applied Technology
   We investigate the use and implementation of technology among citizens, patients, and health professionals and analyse how technology influences users, the healthcare system, and the social sector.

Current and future research activities at the centre will always relate to one or both focus areas. Citizens, relatives, and health professionals are included as central actors in the development, use, and implementation of technologies and digital solutions, which are increasingly becoming part of everyday interventions and practices within the social and health sectors.

Contacts