Research Programme 2: Predicting trends in undesirable social phenomena

This research programme focuses on analysing, modelling and forecasting the impact of the introduction of modern energy technologies and innovations on vulnerable groups in the Moravian-Silesian region. It focuses on groups identified in the field of social work as: (1) children and families at risk; (2) the elderly; (3) people in residential social care facilities; (4) people at risk of or affected by crime. The programme is based on the assumption that the success and sustainability of the energy transition depends on the ability to prevent or at least mitigate its negative consequences for the most vulnerable parts of the population in the Moravian-Silesian Region. The research outputs aim to provide expert recommendations to ensure the legitimacy, effectiveness and sustainability of the energy transition and minimise its negative impacts.

Head of the research team: prof. Soňa Kalenda Vávrová, Ph.D.
Professor at the Department of Social Work and also responsible for the doctoral programmes in social work at the Faculty of Social Studies of the University of Ostrava has more than 25 years of experience in social work research. Her work includes participation in a number of research projects, both basic and applied, specifically focusing on vulnerable children, the elderly and people in institutional care within selected social services.