Ricerca

Research Areas and Scientific Specialization

The PhD program in Innovative Strategies for Wellbeing is structured along integrated, interdisciplinary pathways, emphasizing translational applications to promote human wellbeing across the lifespan. Research focuses on the complex interactions between genetics, physiology, behavior, cognition, and environmental exposures, combining experimental, technological, and data-driven approaches.

1. Cognitive, Behavioral, and Emotional Wellbeing
   This area examines mental, cognitive, and emotional functioning, combining experimental psychology paradigms with neurophysiological and neuroimaging measures (EEG, MRI, MEG, TMS, ECG, respiration). Students study perception, attention, memory, emotion, motivation, and social interactions, decoding how internal and external factors shape adaptive behaviors and overall wellbeing.
2. Functional Genomics and Data Integration
   Research investigates how genetic, epigenetic, and molecular variations influence physiological, cognitive, and emotional processes. By integrating omics data with physiological, behavioral, and environmental measurements, students map determinants of resilience, vulnerability, and overall wellbeing, supporting preventive and personalized strategies.
3. Computational Analysis, Sensor Development, and Technological Innovation
   This area develops advanced mathematical models, AI algorithms, and wearable/environmental sensors. Students design, prototype, and validate devices for real-time monitoring of physiological, biochemical, and behavioral parameters. Data are integrated with molecular and environmental measures to identify quantitative biomarkers of wellbeing and build predictive models for personalized interventions.
4. Translational Interventions and Personalized Wellbeing Strategies
   Research focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions that enhance resilience and promote sustainable wellbeing. Approaches include behavioral training (cognitive and interoceptive), immersive VR environments, biofeedback, wearable sensing, lifestyle optimization, and environmental interventions, in real-life or simulated settings to generate evidence-based, individualized strategies.

Laboratories and Infrastructure

The PhD program offers access to a cutting-edge research ecosystem across all partner institutions, encompassing the full translational pipeline from sensor and device development to molecular, neurophysiological, and behavioral analyses, as well as intervention design and implementation.

PhD Student Resources

• Workstations: Individual PCs with MATLAB, Python, Ingenuity, and statistical software.
• Collaborative Labs: Shared spaces for experimentation, sensor testing, and intervention design.
• Library Access: Physical and digital collections at UdA (library portal), MTU (library portal), and XAMK (library portal), including e-books, journals, and international databases with remote access.
• Support: Mentorship-driven integration of computational, molecular, neurophysiological, and behavioral research.

Translational and Societal Impact

The program prepares researchers to develop personalized, scalable solutions for health and wellbeing, integrating sensor-based monitoring, omics, behavioral interventions, and AI-driven analytics. Graduates collaborate with healthcare systems, industry, and communities, ensuring research outcomes are evidence-based, practical, and impactful for public health, prevention, and wellbeing technologies.