Dr Cristian Dogaru

Cristian has nearly 20 years of teaching experience in Higher Education, with expertise spanning human development, developmental psychology, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and a strong teaching portfolio in research methodology—particularly quantitative research, secondary research, and systematic review methodologies.

He has played a pivotal role in curriculum development, including:
• Leading the design and validation of the MRes in Social Sciences and Health, a flagship postgraduate research program.
• Leading and consolidating the revalidation of BA (Hons) Childhood, ensuring its alignment with current research and policy landscapes.
• Enhancing interdisciplinary research methodology training across multiple programs at the University of Suffolk.

Cristian is committed to interdisciplinary, cross-programme approaches to research methodology education, integrating quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research training.

Cristian’s research interests sit at the intersection of:

· Advanced research methodology in the social sciences, with a focus on quantitative techniques.

· Children’s health and development, particularly early diagnosis, intervention, and long-term outcomes for children with disabilities and their families.

· The influence of social and cultural contexts on childhood development, education, and public health.

Major Research Projects

Recent research projects include:

· Sizewell C Baseline Community Impact Evaluation – A two-stage study assessing the socio-economic, educational, and environmental impact of the Sizewell C nuclear power project on the local community.

· Civic University Agreement (CUA) – Led the University of Suffolk’s effort to develop and implement a Civic University Agreement, engaging students, staff, and community stakeholders to strengthen local partnerships and enhance public engagement.

· Hidden Needs in Suffolk Reports (2015 and 2010) – Investigated long-term deprivation trends in Suffolk, influencing funding allocations and policy decisions for local organizations.

· Connecting STEM Teachers Evaluation – Assessed the impact of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s STEM education program on students’ career aspirations and engagement with STEM subjects.

Throughout his career Cristian has been involved in over 20 research projects, both national and international, as Principal Investigator, co-Principal Investigator, and collaborator.

Selected publications (see ORCID ID: 0000-0002-0722-6147 for full listing).

After completing his PhD in 2008, Cristian worked as a Research Fellow at the Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Switzerland, managing the Swiss National Science Foundation-funded study on breastfeeding and childhood asthma. This resulted in:

· Three first-author publications

· Several co-authored articles

· Multiple presentations at international conferences

Cristian has a strong publication record, including:

· 13 journal articles (4 as first author)

· 2 book chapters

· 1 contracted book on systematic review methodology

· Over 40 peer reviews for journals such as Nature, Pediatrics, Public Health Nutrition, Respiratory Research, and The Sociological Quarterly.

Cristian is actively engaged internationally, contributing to research policy, academic collaboration, and mobility programs.

· Member of the Romanian National Research Council (CNCS) (2016-2017) – Appointed by the Romanian Ministry of Education, supporting fundamental research across all scientific fields.

· Founder of the UoS International Society – A network for international staff to foster multicultural engagement and support global perspectives at the University of Suffolk.

· Erasmus+ Programme Coordinator – Facilitated two new Erasmus+ exchange agreements with the University of Bucharest and hosted the first student exchange cohort at the University of Suffolk.

Cristian continues to develop cross-border research collaborations, ensuring that his research and teaching maintain an international perspective.