Research Groups - Health Sciences and Psychology

Eco-Health Innovation Research Group (SDG 2, SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 11, SDG 13)

The Eco-Health Innovation Research Group focuses on understanding and addressing the complex interactions between environmental changes, biodiversity, and human health, aligning its work with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through sustainable food systems, SDG 4 (Quality Education) via student-led research and capacity building, SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by promoting inclusive and equitable participation in research, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through improved waste management and community-based interventions, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by addressing the health impacts of climate change. 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, advancing solid waste management strategies, and promoting community-led interventions for sustainable improvements. The group publishes with a selected number of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Goals

• High-Impact Publications: We strive to publish groundbreaking findings in leading journals, sharing our advancements in environmental health, environmental sustainability 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

Selected Research

• Exploring Awareness of Direct & Indirect Climate Health Impacts Among UAE University Students: This research assesses UAE university students perceived awareness of direct and indirect climate–health impacts and their ability to correctly distinguish between them

• Gender Influences on Knowledge and Practices Related to Indoor Air Pollution in Dubai: This research investigates indoor air pollution (IAP) in Dubai, examining residents’ awareness, exposure, and household behaviours affecting indoor air quality, with an emphasis on gender differences.

• Perspectives on Environmental Education Effectiveness in UAE Universities: This research evaluates the effectiveness of environmental education programs in UAE universities by analyzing the perspectives of students and faculty, identifying key drivers and barriers to fostering pro-environmental behaviours and sustainable campus practices.

• Urban Health Island (UHI) Analysis and Data Driven Predictive Modelling to Support Sustainable Urban Planning in Dubai: This research assesses Urban Heat Island (UHI) patterns in Dubai and applies data-driven predictive modelling to support sustainable urban planning strategies that reduce heat exposure and improve population health.

• Bakhoor Use and Indoor Air Quality: Health and Environmental Implications in Household Settings: This research investigates bakhoor use and indoor air quality in household settings, examining exposure patterns, health implications, and environmental factors that influence respiratory well-being.

• Sustainable Food Systems and Population Health: Eco-Health Pathways for Better Nutrition and Environmental Protection: This research explores how sustainable food systems can improve population health by identifying pathways that enhance nutritional outcomes while reducing environmental impacts.

• Levels of Waste Management Literacy Among University Students in Dubai: This research examines the level of waste management literacy among university students in Dubai. Understanding this gap is essential to support effective waste diversion, strengthen sustainability education, and contribute to Dubai’s long-term waste management and circular economy goals.

Team Leader

Occupational Health Innovation Research Group (SDG 3)

The Occupational Health Innovation Group focuses on workplace environments and their link to health, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting safe and healthy working conditions, preventing occupational injuries and diseases, and enhancing employee well-being. This group researches the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses through improved safety protocols, risk assessment, and employee health promotion. The group publishes with a selected number of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

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

Selected Research

• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Administration: Impacts on Workforce Performance, Burnout, and Occupational Well-Being: This research examines the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare administration, focusing on its effects on workforce performance, burnout, and the occupational well-being of healthcare employees.

• Indoor Air Quality in Workplaces: Occupational Risks in Offices, Clinics, and Laboratories: This research investigates indoor air quality in workplace settings, assessing occupational exposure risks in offices, clinics, and laboratories and identifying factors that may affect worker health and safety.

• Label Information, WHO Color Codes, GHS and FAO Pictograms: A Comprehensive Review of Farmers’ Comprehension toward Safe Pesticide Use: This reach evaluates farmers’ understanding of WHO color codes, GHS, and FAO pictograms, while analyzing the comprehension of these aids in promoting safe pesticide handling among farmers in UAE and Lebanon.

Team Leader

Population Health Analytics Research Group (SDG 3)

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, directly contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 by generating evidence that supports improved health outcomes and equitable access to healthcare at the population level. The group publishes with a selected number of undergraduate and post graduate students.

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

Selected Research

• Mortality and adverse events of extracorporeal haemadsorption therapy in cardiac surgery: This research is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials assess the effectiveness of extracorporeal haemadsorption therapy in cardiac surgery

• Interventions to preserve insulin-secreting beta cell function in people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes: This is a systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing treatments for preserving beta-cells in persons with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes.

• Population‐level investigation of the knowledge of ocular chemical injuries and proper immediate action in UAE and Jordan: This research evaluates the general population’s awareness, knowledge, and immediate, proper management actions regarding ocular chemical injuries in the UAE and Jordan to identify gaps in knowledge and promote safety awareness

• The Knowledge–Behaviour Paradox in Higher Education: Multivariable and Machine-Learning Analyses of Infectious Disease Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Among UAE University Students and Faculty: This research aims to quantify infectious disease-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices and to test whether the K→A→P pathway holds when examined using multivariable and machine learning approaches.

Team Leader

Innovative Health Systems and Technologies Research Group (SDG 3)

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, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by strengthening health systems and promoting equitable access to high-quality care. The group publishes with a selected number of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

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

Selected Research

• Mapping the Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies in Health Technology Assessment: A Scoping Review Protocol of Global Knowledge and Practices: This research maps the Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies in Health Technology Assessment

• A Deep Dive into the Health Technology Assessment System in the United Arab Emirates: Evidence from an Institutional Survey: This research utilises institutional survey-based study to assess HTA practices, capacity, and implementation across relevant organizations in the UAE.

• Supporting Caregivers of People with Dementia: This research aims to develop a “Demensia KITA,” a mobile application specifically tailored to the needs of Dementia Caregivers

• Mapping AI Applications in Non-Clinical Healthcare in UAE and its Alignment with SDG3: This research maps AI applications in Non-Clinical health domains in UAE, analyse its alignment with SDG3 and adapt the TEF framework.

• Towards Trustworthy AI for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Technical Survey of Multimodal Systems, Knowledge Representation and Clinical Integration: This research provides a survey that comprehensively reviews AI for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

• NICU/ICU Auditory Protocols, Clinical Session Analytics, and Premature Infant qEEG Pipeline Development: This translational research-infrastructure project, aims to develop reproducible NICU/ICU auditory-delivery tools, structured clinical session analytics, and reusable qEEG analysis pipelines for premature infant research datasets.

Team Leader

Cognitive and Brain Development Research Group (SDG 3)

The Cognitive and Brain Development research group innovatively investigates the neural and psychological mechanisms underpinning cognition, perception, and behaviour 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, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by advancing knowledge and interventions that support mental health, neurological well-being, and improved quality of life. The group publishes with a selected number of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

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

Selected Research

• ManyBabies 5: A Large-Scale Investigation of the Proposed Shift from Familiarity Preference to Novelty Preference in Infant Looking Time: This research conducted in collaboration with Stanford University, investigates how age, task difficulty, and familiarization time shape the transition from familiarity preference to novelty preference in infant looking-time paradigms.

• Item-level MoCA Analysis as Early Cognitive Markers of Alzheimer’s Disease Progression: This research explores early detection of Alzheimer’s disease through a longitudinal machine learning using plasma biomarkers to predict disease progression.

• RDoC-Informed Explainable AI as a Paradigm for Multilevel Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis and Progression Prediction: This research explores early detection of Alzheimer’s disease through explainable AI within an RDoC framework to enhance clinical interpretability,

• Studying Neurophysiological Auditory Responses in Early Neonatal Environments (S.N.A.R.E.N.E.): This multimodal NICU research, conducted in collaboration with the “Panagiotis and Aglaia Kyriakou” NICU, Children’s Hospital, Greece, uses EEG and fNIRS to compare how structured and unstructured auditory environments influence the neurophysiological and hemodynamic responses of preterm infants.

Team Leader

Wellbeing and Performance Research Group (SDG 3)

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, directly supporting Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting healthier lifestyles, preventing disease, and enhancing overall population health outcomes. The group publishes with a selected number of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

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

Selected Research

• Exploring the Efficacy of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in Managing Antenatal Anxiety and Fear of Childbirth among Primigravida Women: This research examines the efficacy of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in reducing antenatal anxiety and fear of childbirth among primigravida women, with implications for its integration into maternal healthcare.

• Exploring Mental Health Challenges in Special Education: A Case Study of Stakeholders’ Perspectives in a School Community: This research examines mental health challenges in special education through a case study of stakeholder perspectives within a school community, with attention to systemic and contextual factors influencing student well-being.

• Live Singing as an Early Intervention for Infant Mental Health in the NICU: This research is a secondary analysis of NICU singing–EEG data, conducted in collaboration with the “Panagiotis and Aglaia Kyriakou” NICU, Childrens Hospital, Greece, testing whether higher parent–infant behavioral synchrony during live lullaby singing is associated with more organized cortical activity in premature infants.

Team Leader

Social-Personality Dynamics Research Group

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. The group publishes with a selected number of undergraduate and post graduate students.

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

Team Leader