Research missions

To provide people with lifelong education and empowerment, and to create opportunities for change and life improvement.

We see learning as a vital process that goes beyond formal education, and as a driving force behind personal and social transformation. In an ever-changing digital world, the UOC is leading the development of new online learning models with a scientific, humanistic and technological perspective. The aim is to educate critical and empowered citizens, reduce inequalities and build a fairer society. We seek not only to convey knowledge, but also to create flexible and accessible educational spaces that foster experiences of growth and adaptation to the challenges of the 21st century.

To contribute to new social, environmental, economic and political dynamics arising from emerging scenarios. And to support and lead the digital transformation to ensure that it is the driving force of a green, fair and inclusive transition.

The current context of social, environmental and technological transformations poses new global challenges. At the UOC, we are working to analyse and understand these changes, and to produce responses that contribute to a more critical, resilient and sustainable society. We do this based on an interdisciplinary and systemic perspective, able to address the interdependence between the urban, political, cultural and economic realms. We aim to be an active agent of change, influencing public policies and promoting fairer and more sustainable models for the future.

To generate narratives and imaginaries that help develop a fairer world and a more diverse, pluralistic and critically engaged society, in line with contemporary challenges.

Culture, the arts and creativity are cornerstones for educating critical citizens and opening up new collective imaginaries. They contribute to shaping conscious individuals and creating new collective imaginaries that invite us to see the world from diverse perspectives. By fostering constructive criticism and envisioning a more just and sustainable future, we build a society that values diversity and creativity as drivers of change.

To promote planetary health through the use of ICT, contributing to improvements in human health and global ecosystems.

We consider human health and well-being to be inseparable from the health of ecosystems, and we understand that digital technologies offer new opportunities for improving our quality of life and our decision-making about individual and collective health. Against the current context of pandemics, inequalities and environmental emergencies, our research adopts a comprehensive approach, rethinking health systems, reinforcing prevention, and integrating scientific, technological and social knowledge. The UOC seeks to contribute to a more accessible, inclusive healthcare system that is connected to the world's major challenges, promoting human well-being in harmony with ecosystems. At the same time, we must address the equality and access challenges posed by these technologies. 

To develop new organizational and technological models that serve and empower people and make a critical contribution to technological change.

Technology contributes to improvements and progress in society, making it more resilient, competitive, efficient and sustainable. Technological innovation must address complex challenges in areas such as health, energy, transportation, education and entertainment. Moreover, it must be ethical and promote sustainability. 

Transferring technological knowledge to industry and other sectors should enhance the UOC's engagement with its surroundings and its impact on society.