Policy Impact

Shaping Public Health and Technology Policies

HEI-LAB continues to make significant contributions to policy making, particularly in the fields of mental health, digital technology, and social well-being. As outlined in recent reports, the lab's research initiatives have directly informed national and international policies, enhancing both the understanding and application of behavioral sciences and technology in diverse contexts.

Key Areas of Policy Influence

Mental Health and Digital Interventions

HEI-LAB has been at the forefront of developing and promoting digital mental health interventions, particularly through cognitive-behavioral therapies. Their projects, addressing areas such as youth mental health, anxiety, and maladaptive behaviors, have played a crucial role in informing policies that prioritize mental health interventions using digital platforms. These efforts have been recognized in several policy discussions, as highlighted in the lab's extensive research on mental health outcomes and their integration into public health strategies.

Digital Innovation in Health and Education

Leveraging virtual reality (VR) and digital tools, HEI-LAB has pushed the boundaries of how technology can be used for rehabilitation and learning purposes. Their contributions in this area have led to new frameworks within educational policies, especially regarding the use of digital tools to support learning and mental health in schools.

Sustainability and Behavioral Change

HEI-LAB’s research into the impact of consumer behaviors on sustainability has influenced environmental policies, particularly in promoting greener choices in areas such as energy consumption and waste management. Their findings on behavioral sciences have helped shape policies aimed at encouraging sustainable practices among individuals and organizations.

Through collaborations with national health authorities and international organizations, HEI-LAB's findings have been integrated into critical policy documents and guidelines. Their work with the World Health Organization (WHO) and national governments on public health interventions exemplifies the lab’s role in shaping health policies globally. Their digital tools and behavioral science insights have been incorporated into frameworks designed to address public health challenges, ranging from mental health to environmental sustainability.

These policy contributions are further supported by HEI-LAB’s involvement in reports and publications that assess the long-term impact of digital interventions on well-being, making them a key reference point in ongoing policy reforms.

As HEI-LAB continues to innovate, its influence on policy making is expected to grow, helping shape future policies that intersect health, technology, and behavioral sciences.

Look further on HEI-Lab Policy impact

Some Collaborations and Initiatives

1. Mental Health Awareness Campaign for Youth

   • Partners: Direção-Geral da Saúde, Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses, DGEEC
   • Description: A public campaign aimed at raising awareness about mental health challenges faced by youth, providing resources for both prevention and intervention strategies.
   • Impact Link: Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses
   • Document Evidence

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2. Participation in the School Health Observatory

   • Partners: DGEEC/DGE/ME, Aventura Social Associação
   • Description: HEI-LAB contributed to the national school health observatory, which monitors and supports psychological well-being in schools.
   • Impact Link: DGEEC Info
   • Document Evidence

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3. Coordination of WHO Health Behaviour Study in School-aged Children (HBSC)

   • Partners: Direção-Geral da Saúde, Aventura Social Associação, HBSC Internacional
   • Description: This project focuses on the health and well-being of school-aged children in collaboration with WHO, providing key insights that inform global health policies.
   • Impact Link: HBSC Report

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4. Virtual Reality for Rehabilitation – PlayersAll Project

   • Partners: APPACDM-Lisboa, Câmara Municipal de Cascais
   • Description: A project leveraging virtual reality for rehabilitation of individuals with cognitive disabilities, presented during the Open to Technology event in Cascais, showcasing its social and policy impact.
   • Impact Link: PlayersAll at Open to Tech
   • Document Evidence

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5. Collaboration with New York University on Climate Action

   • Description: HEI-LAB contributed to international research comparing interventions to promote collective action against climate change, informing climate policies globally.
   • Impact Link: Science Advances Altmetric
   • Document Evidence

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6. Referential on Behavioral Sciences in Health

   • Partner: Direção-Geral da Saúde
   • Description: This referential outlines strategies for applying behavioral sciences to health interventions, becoming a key guiding document in national health policies.
   • Impact Link: DGS Document
   • Document Evidence