Uddhav Khakurel

Uddhav is currently working on four studies within his doctoral project, including a systematic review, a cross-sectional study across EU Green Universities, cross-institutional comparisons of policy environments, and a mixed-method study using objective measurements of physical activity. His project is funded by the EU Green initiative and is expected to be completed in 2029.

Research Profile for Uddhav

Uddhav’s current research is part of the project “Sustainable Health and Academic Occupational Exposures during Digital Transformations of Work (SHAPh€D)”, which aims to improve understanding of how digitalization and flexible work arrangements shape health and well-being among academic staff. The project investigates how modern academic work, characterized by constant connectivity, digital demands, and flexible working conditions, affects musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and mental health. The project began in 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2029.

Uddhav’s PhD project consists of four studies:

• A systematic review summarizing existing research on the academic work exposome and its associations with physical and mental health outcomes.
• A cross-sectional, multi-country survey across EU Green Universities examining how digitalization, flexible work arrangements, work demands, ergonomics, and physical activity relate to health among academic staff.
• A cross-institutional comparative studyexploring how university policies, digital strategies, and organizational conditions influence exposure–health relationships across EU Green
• A mixed-method study combining accelerometer-based measurements and activity logs, providing detailed insights into how digital and flexible work patterns shape daily physical activity and sedentary behaviour in academic life.

This research is highly relevant as digitalization continues to transform higher education, introducing new opportunities but also creating new health risks. By examining the full range of digital, psychosocial, behavioural, and environmental exposures within academic work, the project aims to provide evidence that can guide universities in creating healthier, more sustainable working environments. The findings will contribute to understanding how academic work can be designed to support recovery, reduce health risks, and promote long-term well-being and employability.

Looking ahead, Uddhav aims to continue researching the health implications of digital work, with a focus on how universities and organizations can design digital and flexible work practices that support sustainable working lives.