Innovative Research Award

Alberto Rocha
ISCE Douro- Instituto Superior de Ciências Educativas do Douro

Alberto Rocha is a researcher affiliated with ISCE Douro- Instituto Superior de Ciências Educativas do Douro in Portugal whose reported scholarly output encompasses psychology, education, gifted education, student well-being, learning motivation, academic achievement, and social dimensions of sport. His documented publication record includes 63 documents and recent research addressing educational inclusion, giftedness, student quality of life, creative learning environments, and interpersonal challenges in sport. These themes demonstrate a research profile situated at the intersection of psychological development, education, learning, and social well-being.[1] [2]

Abstract

Alberto Rocha is a Portugal-based researcher affiliated with ISCE Douro- Instituto Superior de Ciências Educativas do Douro. His reported research activity is primarily associated with psychology and education, with particular attention to gifted education, student engagement, well-being, academic achievement, creative learning environments, and psychosocial issues in sport. His recent scholarly contributions include journal articles and a systematic-review-related report published during 2026. Collectively, these works address factors influencing educational experience and development across different learner populations, while also extending psychological perspectives into educational and sporting contexts. [1] [2] [3]

Keywords

Alberto Rocha; Psychology; Education; Gifted Education; Student Engagement; Academic Achievement; Student Well-Being; Quality of Life; Creative Learning; Educational Inclusion; Sport Psychology; Research Innovation.

Introduction

Research in psychology and education increasingly examines learning and development as multidimensional processes involving competence, motivation, well-being, social relationships, and educational context. Within this broad field, research on giftedness has expanded beyond identification and cognitive assessment toward questions of inclusion, quality of life, classroom climate, and equitable educational opportunities. Rocha’s recent research activity reflects this wider orientation by examining gifted and non-gifted students, student engagement, perceived academic achievement, creative learning environments, and educational inclusion. [2] [3] [4]

Research Profile

Rocha’s documented research profile is multidisciplinary within the behavioral and educational sciences. The supplied record reports 63 documents and identifies Psychology as the principal subject area. His recent publications demonstrate a concentration on educational psychology, gifted education, student development, learning motivation, and well-being, alongside research addressing social experiences in sport.

• Gifted education, including identification, assessment, inclusion, and comparative study of gifted and typically developing learners.
• Student engagement and perceived academic achievement, including competence- and well-being-related pathways.
• Quality of life and psychosocial well-being among children and adolescents.

Research Contributions

A notable aspect of Rocha’s recent research is its focus on the relationship between individual characteristics and educational environments. Research on student engagement and perceived academic achievement distinguishes competence-based and well-being-based pathways, providing a framework for considering academic outcomes as more than a direct consequence of scholastic performance alone. [2]

Publications

The supplied publication record identifies several recent works involving Alberto Rocha. These publications cover education, psychology, gifted education, student well-being, learning motivation, and sport-related social research.

1. Reported bullying in Portuguese football clubs: a cross-sectional study of coaches’ perspectives and associated factors. Sport Sciences for Health, September 2026.
2. How Student Engagement Shapes Perceived Academic Achievement: Distinct Competence- and Well-Being-Based Pathways. Education Sciences, September 9, 2026.
3. Quality of Life in Gifted and Non-Gifted Students in Portugal: Evidence from the KIDSCREEN-27. Education Sciences, March 27, 2026.
4. Rethinking Giftedness: A Systematic Review of Research on Identification, Assessment, and Inclusion in Gifted Education. Report, February 4, 2026.
5. Creative Climate and Motivation for Learning in the 1st Cycle of Elementary Education: A Comparative Study Between Gifted and Typically Developing Students. Gifted Education International, January 2026.

Research Impact

The available publication record indicates an active research agenda addressing issues relevant to contemporary psychology and education. The combination of empirical studies, comparative research, and systematic-review work allows the research program to approach educational development from several methodological and conceptual perspectives. [2] [3] [4]

Award Suitability

The available record provides a scholarly basis for considering Alberto Rocha for an Innovative Research Award within the International Popular Scientist Awards. The suitability is grounded in the breadth of recent research topics, the publication of peer-reviewed studies, engagement with contemporary educational and psychological questions, and the integration of research concerning giftedness, student well-being, motivation, engagement, and social environments. [2] [3] [5]

Conclusion

Alberto Rocha’s documented research profile reflects sustained engagement with psychology and education, particularly in the areas of gifted education, student engagement, academic achievement, quality of life, motivation, creative learning environments, and social issues in sport. The supplied record identifies 63 documents and several recent 2026 publications addressing these themes. His research combines empirical and review-oriented approaches and contributes to discussions concerning educational development, inclusion, learner well-being, and psychosocial environments.

External Links

• Orcid Profile
• Award Website

References

1. Crossref. (2026). Reported bullying in Portuguese football clubs: a cross-sectional study of coaches’ perspectives and associated factors. Sport Sciences for Health.
   https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-026-01907-2
2. Crossref. (2026). How Student Engagement Shapes Perceived Academic Achievement: Distinct Competence- and Well-Being-Based Pathways. Education Sciences.
   https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16091468
3. Crossref. (2026). Quality of Life in Gifted and Non-Gifted Students in Portugal: Evidence from the KIDSCREEN-27. Education Sciences.
   https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16040524
4. Crossref. (2026). Rethinking Giftedness: A Systematic Review of Research on Identification, Assessment, and Inclusion in Gifted Education. Report.
   https://doi.org/10.37766/inplasy2026.2.0013
5. Crossref. (2026). Reported bullying in Portuguese football clubs: a cross-sectional study of coaches’ perspectives and associated factors. Sport Sciences for Health. Contributors: Cátia Vaz, Paula Vaz, Pedro Forte, Alberto Rocha, and Joana Ribeiro.
   https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-026-01907-2