Research at the department focuses on the interaction between subjects, their specific life and learning contexts, and cultural and social contexts. We orient ourselves towards qualitative methodology and theory-based interpretation of empirical data and towards critical refining and further development of scientific theory. We share an obligation to support processes that increase people's empowerment, their critical judgement and their social and civic participation and influence. We also share a common commitment to 'community outreach', with an ambition to help develop sustainable everyday living and learning environments. Our research covers a wide spectrum of basic and applied research, research-based evaluation and development projects and action research.

The research is organized into three main areas: Social Psychology of Everyday Life, Lifelong Learning and Health Promotion. Within and across each of the main areas, we conduct research in Gender, body and everyday life; Subject, technology and social practice; Organizational psychology; Working life, Welfare, profession and everyday life; Childhood, youth and family life; Social innovation and social entrepreneurship as well as in Universities and university teaching.

The department's researchers teach and supervise in the fields of humanities, social sciences and humanities-technology. At the master and part-time master level, we work with education programmes in the areas of psychology and educational studies, as well as in fields of health promotion, working life and social entrepreneurship. We offer strong researcher training programmes through the Doctoral School of Lifelong Learning and Social Psychology of Everyday Life.