At the School of Health Sciences and Psychology (SHSP), our research shapes the future of health, environment and human understanding by driving innovative solutions through advanced technologies, interdisciplinary approaches, and transformative practices that improve sustainability, mental wellbeing, and community health outcomes.
Our research excellence addresses critical global and regional health challenges, from advancing mental health and psychological wellbeing to enhancing public health outcomes and environmental health management. Our dedicated faculty pioneers innovative approaches that integrate digital health technologies, sustainability practices, and evidence-based psychological interventions to meet tomorrow’s healthcare needs today.
Dr. Aseel Takshe
Acting Dean
We are breaking ground in areas such as health intelligence, behavioral science, environmental health impact assessment, and sustainable healthcare delivery models. Our work translates scientific discovery into practical solutions that elevate individual and community health across diverse populations.
The School’s researchers are internationally recognized, publishing in top-tier journals and influencing policy and practice. Many serve on editorial boards and lead initiatives that foster collaboration between academia and industry partners. As one of the UAE’s leading schools in securing external research funding, we also empower our students to engage fully in research that inspires innovation and societal impact.
We actively convene global experts through conferences and symposiums, fostering collective efforts to confront health and psychological challenges and promote wellbeing worldwide.
Together, we are advancing health sciences and psychology to build a healthier, more resilient future.
Research and Innovation Groups
At SHSP, Research Groups bring together faculty members, students and industrial partners to work together around specific thematic areas to foster deep interdisciplinary collaboration and tackle complex environmental, health and psychological issues more effectively. These groups typically focus on diverse but interconnected domains such as public health, health behavior change, mental health and wellbeing, and developmental psychology.
The EcoHealth Innovation research group focuses on understanding and addressing the complex interactions between environmental changes, biodiversity, and human health. By integrating ecology, epidemiology, and social sciences, the group develops innovative, practical solutions to mitigate health risks caused by human-induced environmental pressures. Their work includes studying pathogen circulation in multi-host systems, evaluating the health impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss, and promoting community-led interventions for sustainable health improvements.
Goals:
- High-Impact Publications: We strive to publish groundbreaking findings in leading journals, sharing our advancements in environmental health with the global research community.
- Global Conference Engagement: We actively present our work at premier conferences, collaborating with researchers worldwide to exchange insights, shape the trajectory of environmental health, and inspire new avenues for exploration and innovation
Members
The Occupational Health Innovation Group focuses on workplace environments, this group researches the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses through improved safety protocols, risk assessment, and employee health promotion.
Goals:
- High-Impact Publications: We strive to publish groundbreaking findings in leading journals, sharing our advancements in occupational health and safety with the global research community.
- Global Conference Engagement: We actively present our work at premier conferences, collaborating with researchers worldwide to exchange insights, shape the trajectory of occupational health and safety, and inspire new avenues for exploration and innovation
Members
The Population Health Analytics group develops and applies advanced methods to study disease patterns, causes, and effects in populations, providing critical insights to inform public health policy and interventions.
Goals:
- High-Impact Publications: We strive to publish groundbreaking findings in leading journals, sharing our advancements in epidemiological research with the global research community.
- Global Conference Engagement: We actively present our work at premier conferences, collaborating with researchers worldwide to exchange insights, shape the trajectory of epidemiology, and inspire new avenues for exploration and innovation
Members
- Dr. Malcolm Price - Leader
- Dr. Wissam Ghach
- Dr. Sawsan AlMadhi
- Ms. Rina Salhab
The Innovative Health Systems and Technologies research group focuses on advancing healthcare delivery through the integration of cutting-edge health technologies, rigorous health technology assessment, and innovative financing models. Their work aims to improve the efficiency, accessibility, and quality of health services by designing and testing new tools, data platforms, and processes that address unmet healthcare needs.
Goals:
- High-Impact Publications: We strive to publish groundbreaking findings in leading journals, sharing our advancements in health technology assessment and delivery with the global research community.
- Global Conference Engagement: We actively present our work at premier conferences, collaborating with researchers worldwide to exchange insights, shape the trajectory of health system assessment, and inspire new avenues for exploration and innovation
Members
- Dr. Mohammed AlKhaldi - Leader
- Dr. Wissam Ghach
- Dr. Malcolm Price
- Dr. Sawsan AlMadhi
The Cognitive and Brain Development research group innovatively investigates the neural and psychological mechanisms underpinning cognition, perception, and behavior by employing cutting-edge brain imaging technologies, advanced data analysis methods, and neurofeedback protocols. This group integrates novel techniques such as machine learning, high-resolution and multimodal neuroimaging, and brain-computer interfaces to deepen understanding of brain function and mental health.
Goals:
- High-Impact Publications: We strive to publish groundbreaking findings in leading journals, sharing our advancements in neurosciences with the global research community.
- Global Conference Engagement: We actively present our work at premier conferences, collaborating with researchers worldwide to exchange insights, shape the trajectory of neuroscience, and inspire new avenues for exploration and innovation
Members
The Wellbeing and Performance group examines factors influencing physical and mental wellness, developing evidence-based strategies for disease prevention, health promotion, and improving quality of life across diverse populations
Goals:
- High-Impact Publications: We strive to publish groundbreaking findings in leading journals, sharing our advancements in psychological health and wellbeing with the global research community.
- Global Conference Engagement: We actively present our work at premier conferences, collaborating with researchers worldwide to exchange insights, shape the trajectory of wellbeing, and inspire new avenues for exploration and innovation.
Members
The Social-Personality Dynamics group focuses on individual differences and social behavior, this team explores how personality traits, social dynamics, and cultural contexts influence mental health and human interaction.
Goals:
- High-Impact Publications: We strive to publish groundbreaking findings in leading journals, sharing our advancements in personality with the global research community.
- Global Conference Engagement: We actively present our work at premier conferences, collaborating with researchers worldwide to exchange insights, shape the trajectory of social psychology, and inspire new avenues for exploration and innovation.