Vision and Mission

UNIDCOM - Research Unit in Design and Communication is hosted by the Faculty of Design, Technology and Communication (IADE) of the Universidade Europeia in Lisbon, Portugal. Since its inception in 2000, UNIDCOM is at the forefront of the vast realm of Design Research. In 2003 it was rated "Very Good" by FCT maintaining this high level of R&D activities until today.

Vision

Our vision is to continue to establish ourselves as a global beacon in Design Research, with a dual commitment to advancing the frontiers of knowledge in this domain while fostering the flourishing of humanity in harmony with our planet. Recognizing the pivotal role of creative areas in addressing intricate socio-technical challenges of the 21st century, UNIDCOM embraces a 'possibilist' ethos, actively engaging in the collective mission of designing a better world.

Mission

Our mission is centred on the completion of design-driven initiatives, characterized by modularity and incrementalism, pursued through inter- and trans-disciplinary coalitions employing diverse methodological approaches, whether experimental, collaborative, theoretical, or speculative. We fulfill our mission through R&D projects and by supporting post-doctoral researchers, visiting scholars, and postgraduate studies. This includes providing research scholarships, facilitating training initiatives, hosting scientific events, offering laboratory assistance, and providing financial aid for missions and publications.

With a team of 133 dedicated researchers, including 38 integrated members and 72 collaborators, of which 24 are PhD students, UNIDCOM prides itself on its eclectic composition. While rooted in design, our team encompasses diverse expertise spanning arts, marketing, management, health sciences, communication, computer science, engineering, history, and philosophy.

Activities

UNIDCOM accomplishes the objectives by:

Research activities

  • Supporting and welcoming the development of research (e.g., well-equipped research facilities; assisting the preparation of applications and managing projects);
  • Promoting clusters to provide a forum for internal/external networking;
  • Welcoming Post-Doc studies and short-term stays for international students/researchers;
  • Offering scholarships/grants

Collaboration with Post-graduate studies

  • Contributing to the development of PhD and MsC level education (e.g., contributing to the record of publications/outputs and international recognition of the faculty);
  • Providing student research training (e.g., as part of project teams, workshops, seminars);
  • Offering scholarships/grants for student research;
  • Organising, in collaboration with the host School (IADE), an annual Design Doctoral Conference;
  • Discounts or free entrance at events and for activities;

R&D+i activities

  • Promoting public awareness of design research;
  • Offering consultancy services;
  • Participating in consortiums for R&D+i projects with companies or other partners;

Fostering and dissemination

  • Organising biannual international conferences (Senses & Sensibility), seminars, exhibitions, etc.;
  • Providing support and sponsorship for a variety of design research-related events in cooperation with other partner organisations;
  • Providing financial support for UNIDCOM members’ missions (e.g., participation in conferences);
  • Publishing books authored/edited by its members (Edições IADE), proceedings, as well as a Journal (ThRad – The Radical Designist. A Design Culture Journal) in both paper and electronic formats;
  • Maintaining an online repository for research outputs;
  • Maintaining a weekly emailed newsletter.