PhD in Social Work from ISCTE-IUL (with distinction); PhD in Sociology from the University of Salamanca (with Distinction and award); Advanced studies diploma in Sociology; Master’s in Rural Development; Bachelor in Social Work.
Professor at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Director of the Degree in Social Work; Member of the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences; Researcher at the Center for Transdisciplinary Studies for Development; having already held several positions at UTAD and external to UTAD, including Director of the Master’s in Social Work; Vice-President of the Pedagogical Council of the School of Human and Social Sciences; Member of the Pedagogical Council of the School of Human and Social Sciences; Coordinator of the European Anti-Poverty Network EAPN-Núcleo de Vila Real; Coordinator of the Vila Real Children and Youth Protection Commission; Social Judge for the area of minors in the district of Vila Real; Director of the Social Protection and Citizenship Unit (District Center for Social Security of Vila Real); and, Coordinator of the Leader Program (Link between rural development actions) at the Douro Hisdtórico Association.
With many publications and works in the area of Social Sciences, Sociology and Social Work. Issues such as changes in social policies; municipal decentralization, institutional and professional reconfigurations; multilevel governance; State relations and interactions with the third sector; aging, poverty, inequalities; participation; sustainable development, sustainable communities; local and community Social Work, theory and methodology in Social Work. With participation in several national and international research projects.