Research

Summary

Nnedinma is an Associate Professor (Reader) in Management of Projects and Safety Innovations at the University of Greenwich, with a global footprint spanning six continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, Northern America, South America and Australia/Oceania) and over two decades of multidisciplinary experience in academia and industry.

His research stands out for its human-centered, interdisciplinary approach to construction and engineering; occupational safety, health, and well-being (OSHW); and higher education. While traditional safety research focuses on physical hazards, my work integrates psychosocial risk management, mental health, and invisible disabilities into project and organisational strategies, an area often overlooked in engineering and construction.

He explores regulatory systems and compliance mechanisms in complex environments, particularly in developing countries, where cultural and political contexts shape safety governance. His research also pioneers digital transformation for safety and education, including AI-driven virtual reality training for low-literacy and migrant workers and immersive learning for OSHW education. Beyond technology, Nnedinma champions gender equality and workforce development, leveraging digital tools for mentoring and leadership advancement in engineering education.

With funding from multiple organisations (such as British Council, British Academy, Lloyds Register Foundation), more than 100 scholarly outputs, and editorial leadership in high-ranking journals, Nnedinma’s work bridges theory and practice to create safer, healthier, and more sustainable built environments.

Research Interests

Safety and Compliance

Occupational Safety and Health (OSHW): Investigating people-focused safety issues, organisational responsibilities, and regulatory systems to reduce workplace accidents and improve wellbeing.

Psychosocial Risk Management: Addressing work-related stress, mental health, and compliance behaviour to create healthy workplaces that support business and societal sustainability.

Regulation and Compliance: Examining legal frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, and organisational strategies for meeting safety and quality standards across industries.

Management and Transformation

Construction & Engineering Management: Developing socio-technical strategies for productivity, profitability, and sustainability in construction projects; exploring governance and cultural factors.

Project Management: Investigating collaborative behaviours, risk management, and leadership approaches that influence project success and stakeholder engagement.

Digital Transformation: Assessing the impact of emerging technologies (AI, BIM, IoT, digital twins) on project delivery, safety systems, and technology-enhanced learning environments.

People, Sustainability and Development

Workforce Development: Designing inclusive curricula and capacity-building programs to address skills gaps in construction and safety sectors.

Equality & Inclusion: Promoting gender equality and diversity in technical and leadership roles, ensuring equitable access to opportunities.

Sustainability: Integrating environmental, social, and governance principles into workforce strategies and project delivery for long-term resilience.

Technology-Enhanced Learning: Leveraging digital tools and partnerships to support lifelong learning and professional development.

Research Philosophy

Nnedinma’s research philosophy is grounded in impact-driven scholarship that challenges conventional boundaries. He believe in:

  • Interdisciplinary problem-solving: Combining engineering, law, digital technology, psychology, and management sciences to tackle systemic challenges.
  • Human-first innovation: Prioritising mental health, well-being, and inclusion alongside technical excellence.
  • Technology for equity: Using AI, VR, and digital platforms not just for efficiency, but to empower vulnerable and underrepresented groups.
  • Continuous improvement: Identifying overlooked opportunities for incremental change that collectively transform industry practices.
  • Global collaboration and knowledge exchange: Building partnerships that advance sustainable development and capacity building worldwide.

Ultimately, his goal is to redefine safety and project management as catalysts for societal well-being and sustainable progress.

Research Affiliations

    • Member, Center for Research on Employment and Work (CREW), University of Greenwich, London. (2022 to date).
    • Member, Inclusion and Social Justice Special Interest Group, Kingston School of Education, Kingston University, London. (2020 – 2021)

    • Member, International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) Early Career Research Network. (2021 – date)

    • Member, Research Committee, University College of Estate Management (UCEM), Reading. (2017 -2019)

    • Member, Property and Construction Research Centre, UCEM, Reading. (2017– 2019)

    • Member, Online Learning Research Centre, UCEM, Reading. (2017– 2019)

    • Member, Sustainable Built Environment Research Group, University of Greenwich, London. (2013 – 2017)