Research lines

Research

The multidimensional nature of environmental, technological and energy phenomena makes it necessary to incorporate social research and human behaviour in these areas. From the design of sustainability, saving and energy efficiency policies to the installation of new technological infrastructures and the management of existing ones, or the design of campaigns to get people involved in environmental and technological issues, systematic research on social and human aspects is essential, as well as the potential impacts of these interventions and policies.

Through its participation in funded research projects, collaboration agreements, and research networks, CISOT aims to contribute to the development of research and knowledge on the social dimensions of the environment, energy, and safety.

Its main areas of research are:

Risk perception, communication and social acceptance
High reliability organizations Culture
Human and organizational factors

This research line aims to study the reactions of individuals and communities to technological developments and environmental risks. Likewise, it is intended to contribute to the design and evaluation of intervention strategies and public involvement in these areas. It consists of three main research sub-lines:

Social acceptability of technological and energy developments
Perception of environmental risk (air pollution, climate change, radiological risk)
Ecological transition and citizen behaviour (sustainability, health, etc.)

Safety culture, as well as other organizational and social factors, significantly influence the operational safety of highly reliable organizations. Studies in this area attempt to identify the social, organizational and human factors that affect safety; evaluate the safety culture of these organizations; and help articulate objectives in organizational culture and safety policies.

The objective of the studies in this area is to analyse the performance of the operation team, both individually and collectively, in the face of the introduction of new technologies in control rooms and their impact on the safety of highly reliable facilities.