Sustainability and Prosociality as Tools for Social Innovation

Position: Research appointment (pre-doc) Institute: Uni. Pavia
Posted on: 04/05/2026 Deadline: 12/06/2026

Scientific-Disciplinary Group

14/GSPS-05 - General Sociology

Description

This research program investigates the intersection of sustainability and prosociality as drivers of innovation in contemporary societies. Drawing on sociological theory, it examines how collective orientations toward environmental responsibility and prosocial behaviors shape new institutional arrangements and organizational models. The program adopts a multilevel analytical framework, integrating macro-structural dynamics with meso and micro interactions, to understand how social norms, trust networks, and civic engagement foster transformative change. Particular attention is devoted to industrial production and participatory governance in the co-production of sustainable outcomes. Empirical research will combine quantitative and qualitative methods to map emerging practices in urban and rural contexts. The aim is to produce academically rigorous and policy-relevant research, contributing to more ecologically responsible communities.

Funding body

Università di Pavia

Selection process

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The application for admission to the selection procedure (dated and signed),the documents and publications considered useful for the evaluation must be submitted, under penalty of exclusion, electronically, by visiting the following web page: https://pica.cineca.it/unipv/tipologia/idr selecting the Competition Notice you have chosen. In order to register with the system, you must have an email address. Following the guidelines published in the procedure, the applicant must enter all the information required for the application, enclosing all documents in electronic .PDF format. The selection of candidates is carried out on the basis of qualifications and possible interview (with test of knowledge of the foreign language) (see Art. 1 par. 1 Call for applications). The public call with detailed attendance and selection rules (Art 4 and 6) can be found at: https://pica.cineca.it/unipv/tipologia/idrThe selections are open to candidates, Italian or foreigner, in possession, on the date of the deadline for submitting applications for the admission to the selection, of a master's degree or single-cycle, degree obtained no more than six years previously are eligible to participate in the selection process. These degrees must be relevant to the subject of the research activity. Further specific assessable qualifications (see Art. 1 par. 1 Call for applications): Documented experience in research projects on sustainability, climate change and prosocial behaviours (PRIN, PNRR or equivalent projects).Documented experience in managing systematic reviews of scientific literature.Documented competencies in managing web-based scientific communication processes and documented knowledge of web design tools.Documented experience as production secretary in applied and basic research projects.Familiarity with mixed research methodologies (quantitative and qualitative) applied to social innovation contexts.Participation in scientific dissemination activities and conference organisation in the field of social sciences.