This research line is devoted to the study of contemporary models of leadership, with special attention to character-based models. The VEC is developing its proper leadership model, the so-called Leadership of Positive Action (López González, Fernández Espinosa, Ortiz de Montellano 2023), and which considers leadership as a character virtue. This model of leadership informs several courses and programs of our Center. This line of research is further developed by the research group “Leadership Education”, gathering scholars from Francisco de Vitoria University and others higher education institutions.

There is an increasing awareness of the need for character development in job performance and, thus, an emerging demand for virtue and character in professional contexts. Studies of professionalism and professional ethics show that professional performance and career success require technical competencies (some kind of knowing how) but also having and developing specific character traits and ways of being. In this context, this research line focuses on developing virtue and character in professional settings. In particular, it is not (only) generally focused on the relevance of character and virtue in professional contexts, but it is conceived in continuity with the character formation that the Centre promotes in other educational levels, above all to character education in the university. Character and virtue-based professional ethics are developed on every degree’s professional specificity. Consistently, this research line is devoted to research and development on professional character and virtues for students from every degree, and university professors and faculty members who teach in these different degrees.

1. Educating Cyber-Wisdom and Cyber-Virtues

This research project is devoted to the study of adolescent’s use of social networks. Specifically, it is focused on how adolescents take moral decisions (and which types) when using the social networks; their reactions when facing a moral dilemma when using social networks; and to explore the development of a behavior model and relationship, through social networks and the Internet, based on moral and phronetic (wise) decision making, informed by different virtues such as honesty, compassion, sincerity, respect, generosity, moderation, truthfulness and empathy.

2. Enhancing Virtue and Flourishing in Different Social Environments

This Project is developing a character education program for school leaders and students for a network of schools (465 schools) in Mexico.

Project ECVA

 This project is developed in the European Character and Virtue Association, with different scholars from different universities. It pursues to spread character education in teachers and families. The main objective of this research project is to assess the attitudes and beliefs of parents and teachers in Spain regarding character education in schools, and to compare these findings at the national and international levels.

Project with schools in Spain, Argentina, Chile & Mexico

This research project applies the ACE (Association for Character Education) accreditation to several schools of different countries.