Department of Research, Development and Innovation
Head of department: Ddr. Maja Pucelj, Assistant Professor
About us
The Department of Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) at EMUNI University serves as the driving force behind EMUNI’s research excellence, innovation, and strategic project management across the Euro-Mediterranean region. The department’s mission is to bridge academia, industry, and governance, promoting knowledge transfer, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful solutions that address pressing societal, regional, and global challenges.
The RDI Department fosters a broad spectrum of research activities across key thematic areas, including human rights, digital transformation, governance and law, sustainable development, the blue economy, climate and environmental studies, big data and artificial intelligence, higher education leadership, gender equality, sports management, and cultural heritage. Through these efforts, EMUNI seeks to enhance the societal impact of research, support policy innovation, and provide evidence-based solutions to complex challenges in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Our Approach
The department takes a holistic approach to research and innovation, integrating scientific rigor with practical relevance. By connecting universities, civil society organizations, industry partners, and public authorities, EMUNI’s RDI Department ensures that research outcomes are translated into actionable solutions, market-ready products, innovative services, and policy recommendations. This approach not only strengthens the university’s contribution to regional development but also positions EMUNI as a key hub for knowledge exchange and capacity building in the Euro-Mediterranean area.
Current and Recent Projects
EMUNI’s RDI Department coordinates and participates in a wide range of internationally funded projects, reflecting the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and regional cooperation.Â
Among these are initiatives such as:
Strategic Vision for 2026
Building on a successful 2025 portfolio that included 81 project applications and six funded projects, the RDI Department is preparing for strategic growth in 2026. Priority areas include expanding Horizon Europe projects with flagship proposals addressing democracy, big data, blue economy, and sustainable governance; fostering gender equality and inclusiveness through structured Gender Equality Plans; enhancing capacity building and career development for researchers; and strengthening regional and global partnerships across the Euro-Mediterranean area.
Future initiatives include the Euro-Mediterranean Dual Career Hub, promoting athlete career transitions and HRM in sports, the ReDiDem Lab, enhancing digital democracy and resilience against misinformation, the BlueDiplomacy project, addressing Mediterranean port geopolitics and strategic autonomy, and the PortSkills Academy, creating an integrated vocational training ecosystem for smart ports.
Through these initiatives, the department continues to align research priorities with EMUNI’s educational programs, ensuring that new Masters, PhD, and professional certifications reflect cutting-edge research and address regional and global challenges.
Join Our Network
EMUNI’s Department of Research, Development and Innovation collaborates with over 214 universities, research centers, and institutions across the Euro-Mediterranean region. By partnering with academic institutions, public authorities, civil society, and industry stakeholders, the department advances knowledge, fosters innovation, and creates solutions with tangible societal impact.