About

WHAT WE DO

SUMMARY

The Life Quality Research Centre (LQRC-CIEQV) is aligned with the priorities of the “Horizonte 2020” regarding some of the society’s challenges, namely on the maintenance of high standards of quality in life in different age groups and social contexts.

The mission of the LQRC-CIEQV is to contribute to the creation of knowledge and innovative programs promoting the improvement in the quality of life across human beings. Considering the proposed developments of the evaluation panel, the LQRC-CIEQV has upgraded and updated the research structure of the organization during the last year, having now 5 research areas:

(a)Education and Training
(b)Food Production and Technology / Eating Behavior
(c) Individual and Community Health
(d)Organizational Dynamics
(e)Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyles

The members in the LQRC-CIEQV community work mainly through projects in one of the five areas, not excluding however, the possibility of working together in multidisciplinary projects that needs the interconnection of different extents. Each project has developed its own approach for achieving its scientific goals within the overall scientific structure and aims of the LQRC-CIEQV.

The progress of projects will result in contemporary evidences related to the quality in life domains that are transferable to the society at the regional, national, and international level. The knowledge created by the LQRC-CIEQV research will move forward science with up-to-date education programs (short courses, undergraduate courses, graduate courses, and postgraduate courses), digital and printed forms of learning (papers, books, technical documents, and websites), patents and scientific events. Hence, the dissemination of the LQRC-CIEQV research for the scientific and academic community is of special relevance.

The multidisciplinary nature of the LQRC-CIEQV is one of its great innovations and assets, bridging the gap between the different areas related to sustainable behavior and healthy lifestyle (e.g., physical activity, education, nutrition, food quality, global health, among others). The association of research from different areas is paramount to understand the quality of life across societies. Hence, the LQRC intends to thrive research using a contemporary framework and a multidisciplinary and scientific approach.

ARTICLE

SUSTAINABILITY

Conceptual framework for the research on Quality of Life

reAuthors:

José Rodrigues, Carla Chicau Borrego, Paula Ruivo, Pedro Sobreiro, David Catela, José Amendoeira and Rui Matos

Abstract:

The article presents the reference framework for multidisciplinary research at the Life Quality Research Centre (LQRC). The research paradigm about the citizens’ quality of life in society imposes a multifaceted and complex analysis. At the LQRC we address this as thematically divided into six scientific areas: education and training; physical activity and healthy lifestyles; food production and technology on food behaviors; organizational dynamics; motor behavior; and individual and community health. These areas are clearly related to the concept of quality of life. They fit the goals and dynamics of the research centre. In each section, the authors develop the themes of research projects and the challenges that characterize research in the area of quality of life. It is clear that there is an agreement and understanding that ensures that quality of life research is on the agenda of the world organizations related to scientific research and human development. This is a real challenge for scientific research centres, since multidisciplinary paradigms are the foundation of our collective organization, and the evolution of research on quality of life could fulfil current needs and lead to the improvement of citizen lives.

OUR

Structure and vision

The coordination of the LQRC-CIEQV is oriented by the principal coordinator and the sub-coordinator. The structure of the LQRC-CIEQV contains five sub-coordinators, each individually allocated in one of the areas of research.

Coordination:

Regina Ferreira

Coordinator Professor

José Amoroso

Adjunct Professor

Fernando Santos

Adjunct Professor

Dra. Dina Rocha

The five scientific areas are:

Physical Activity and healthy lifestyles:

This research area covers the impact of health-related behaviors such as physical activity and exercise on the quality of life across individuals from different age groups.

Coordinator:

Susana Franco

Coordinating Professor

Organizational dynamics:

This research area covers the study of individual and collective dynamics and their association with the quality of life in urban and rural contexts, as well as the social influence on individual and organizational interactions.

Coordinator:

Pedro Sobreiro

Adjunct Professor

Education and training:

This research area focuses on the study of competence across trainers and trainees, as well as on teaching models, and the creation and innovation of technological tools that enhance our understanding of the skills and knowledge within the context.

Coordinator:

Marisa Correia

Adjunct Professor

Food production and technology / Food  behavior:

This research area covers the study of human behavior related to food production, distribution, and consumption.

Coordinator:

Gabriela Lima

Adjunct Professor

Individual and community health:

This research area covers the assessment of quality in life and health of the society, considering the life cycle, health care needs, and life expectancies.

Coordinator:

José Amendoeira

Coordinating Professor

External Assessment Scientific Commission:

Antonino Bianco

Associate Professor

School of Sports Science

University of Palermo, Italy

Antonio Hernández Mendo

Full Professor

Faculty of Psychology

University of Málaga, Spain

Beatriz Urbano López de Meneses

Full Professor

Department of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering

Universidad de Valladolid, Spain

Harry Daniels

Professor of Education

Green Templeton College, Department of Education

University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Marianne Pitkajarvi

Senior Lecturer

School of Rehabilitation and Examinations

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Finland

Pedro Guedes de Carvalho

Associate Professor (retired)

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

University of Beira Interior, Portugal

OUR

Objectives

The LQRC-CIEQV main goals are absorbed on research, development, and innovation. Specifically, the research centre proposes to:

Contributions for the regional strategy: 

– Positioning the research centre as a preferred partner in the fields of research, development, and innovation;
– Strengthen the collaboration and coordination of projects with the regional institutions as a mean to respond to their needs;
– Create an Observatory of research and innovative solutions towards the development of regional territory.

Opportunities for advanced training: 

– Revert the research to the graduate offers and opportunities of the IPSantarém , IPLeiria and IPSetúbal , and other institutional partners with whom the LQRC-CIEQV collaborates;
– Present opportunities for doctoral and postdoctoral programmes protocoled with universities and research centres in national and international missions;
– Aid researchers and scholars in the initiation or development of advanced research projects;
– Renew and strengthen the undergraduate offer;
– Create and develop graduate, specialized, and short courses.

Internationalization: 

– Promote international activities since the research conducted in the LQRC-CIEQV is compliant with the requirements and objectives of the several international identities and corporative associations related to research, education, and professional development;
– Partnering with major international institutions of higher education, research centres, and academic operators;
– Coordinate and participate in international projects towards the sustainable development and agenda for practical research;
– Participate as a member in international commissions related to the LQRC-CIEQV research areas;
– Organize individually scientific avenues and events or in collaboration with other major institutions;
– Create and diffuse international training programs related to the research developed in the LQRC-CIEQV.


Institutional


Institutional Partners

The Polytechnique Institute of Santarém  (IPSantarém) is a public institution with several facilities and laboratories available for researchers to carry out their academic activities and projects. Specifically, the members at the LQRC-CIEQV can specially benefit from the existing facilities at the School of Sports Science, school of Agriculture, school of Management and Technology, and school of health. In this regard some the following laboratories can be highlighted: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Food Technology, Research in Sports, Sport Psychology, Pedagogy in Sports, and Fitness lab. The organizational activities, the management and valorisation of the produced knowledge is supported by the institutional structure of the IPSantarém, particularly, through the support of its project office, the financial management, and transfer centre. In total, eight employees with significant experience in research management, development, and innovation at the national and international level are responsible for the organizational structure of the LQRC.

The Polytechnique Institute of Leiria  (IPLeiria) is a public institution with up-to-date facilities and equipment accessible to all members of the LQRC-CIEQV. In particular, researchers can benefit from the modern infrastructure at the school of Education and Social Sciences, school of Tourism and Sea Technology, and school of Health. In this regard, some the following laboratories can be highlighted, namely: Sensory Analysis, Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Food Technology, Mobilization and Mechanical Therapy, Electrotherapy, and Techniques adapted to the Disabled. Similar to the assistance provided by the IPSantarém towards the research conducted by the LQRC, the organizational activities, management, and dissemination of the produced knowledge is also supported by the institutional structure of the IPLeiria. The support is provided by the project office, the financial management, and the transfer and valorisation of knowledge centre. These services are composed by nine employees, with significant experience in the management of research and organizational structure support.

The Polytechnique Institute of Setúbal  (IPS) is a higher education institution, presently comprising five Schools in the areas of Education, Technology, Business & Administration and Health Care. The institution has two campi: Setúbal campus, and Barreiro campus. With a diversified training offer in various areas, the IPS trains professionals of excellence and ensures high rates of employability, focusing on the quality of courses and teachers, a close connection with the business community and an internship program in the best companies. Regarding its R&D+i activity, IPS carries out research, applied research and experimental development activities in several areas, namely, Education, Business & Administration, Health Care, Technology cooperating in national and international funded projects. Also, the science management and valorisation of the innovation is supported by internal structure, particularly, through the support of the International Cooperation and Research Division (DICI). IPS became an European University, integrating the E³UDRES² project (Engaged European Entrepreneurial University as Driver for European Smart and Sustainable Regions), which includes five other higher education institutions (HEIs), namely from Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Latvia and Romania. This participation reinforces its commitment to education, innovation and research to address global social, environmental and economic challenges.