Laboratory 2 brings together research on educational, social, institutional and community processes that influence opportunities for learning, participation, inclusion and social development. Its scientific identity is grounded in an ecological and systemic understanding of developmental contexts, considering the relationships among children, young people, adults, families, professionals, institutions and communities.
The Laboratory includes projects situated in formal, non-formal and informal educational contexts, covering pedagogical practices, school climate, school-family-community relationships, the inclusion of groups in situations of vulnerability, child and youth protection, the evaluation of practices, programmes and contexts, social participation, coexistence, well-being, and the quality of educational and institutional environments. This orientation enables the articulation of contributions from psychology, education sciences and related disciplinary areas, while maintaining a common focus on understanding and enhancing the contexts in which development, learning and participation take place.
The Laboratory’s scientific activity is organised around integrated projects, thematic teams and partnerships with educational, social, community and public institutions. Projects should specify their objectives, theoretical framework, methodology, team, timeline, expected scientific outputs, contribution to study programmes, and forms of scientific and social dissemination of the knowledge produced.
The Laboratory prioritises research with academic, educational and social relevance, oriented towards:
- the production of scientific knowledge;
- the development of assessment instruments;
- the analysis of practices and policies;
- the design and evaluation of intervention programmes.
For internal organisational purposes, the Laboratory’s activity is structured around four interconnected axes:
- education, learning and pedagogical practices;
- inclusion, diversity and social participation;
- protection, coexistence and well-being in educational and community contexts;
- policies, institutions and social transformation.