Rectorate

Email: vreesteves@ualg.pt

School / Faculty: Higher Institute of Engineering
Position / Role: Vice-Rector for Education and Pedagogical Innovation
Undergraduate Degree: Marine Biology and Fisheries (UAlg, 1995)
PhD: Ecology (Specialization: Population Ecology) (UAlg, 2006)
Professional Category: Coordinating Professor
 

Eduardo Esteves is a Coordinating Professor at the Higher Institute of Engineering of the University of Algarve (UAlg) and a researcher at the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR). He holds a degree from UAlg, a Master’s in Ecology from the University of Coimbra, and a PhD from UAlg, where he has been teaching since 2001. His teaching focuses on Applied Statistics, Sensory Analysis (Sensometrics), and Processing and Quality of Fishery Products. He was Director of the Master’s in Food Technology and participated in working groups for the creation and accreditation of new study cycles by A3ES and DGES.
In university management, he served as President of the Pedagogical Council of ISE and Deputy Director of the Department of Food Engineering, joining the Rectoral Team between 2022 and 2025 as Pro-Rector for Pedagogical Innovation and Student Support. In this role, he coordinated institutional projects aimed at promoting academic success, preventing dropout, and fostering faculty professional development. His research focuses on the quality of fishery and aquaculture products and the valorization of by-products, coordinating funded projects, most recently “Green fish oil from blue industry” (funded by EEA Grants).
Author of several publications, he collaborates editorially with journals such as Foods and the Brazilian Journal of Food Technology. His scientific impact is reflected in international collaborations (40.7%). His research output contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals, with around 60% of the articles linked to the 2030 Agenda, particularly highlighting SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). He is a member of The Sensometrics Society and a founding member of the Portuguese Society of Sensory Analysis. He was awarded the “Professor of the Year” Prize (UAlg, 2023). He represents UAlg on the Technical Committee 25 (Fishery and Aquaculture Products) of IPQ and holds leadership roles in the Regional Delegation of DECO.

Email: vrppinto@ualg.pt

School / Faculty: Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve
Position / Role: Vice-Rector for Partnerships and the European University (SEA-EU)
Undergraduate Degree: Business Management, University of Algarve (1993)
PhD: Quantitative Methods Applied to Economics and Management, specialization in Statistics (2004)
Habilitation: Quantitative Methods Applied to Economics and Management, specialization in Statistics (2013)
Professional Category: Full Professor (2022)
 

Patrícia Pinto holds a degree in Business Management (1993), completed a Master’s in Economic and Business Sciences (1997), and obtained her PhD (2004) and Habilitation (2013) in Quantitative Methods Applied to Economics and Management, specializing in Statistics, at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Algarve (FEUAlg). She has been a Full Professor at this faculty since November 2022.
She began her academic career as a teaching assistant in the final year of her undergraduate degree and has mainly taught data analysis, econometrics, and research methodologies, with extensive experience supervising master’s and doctoral students.
She is a member of the Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being (CinTurs) at UAlg, which she coordinated between 2018 and 2025. She was Director of the Master’s in Marketing (2009–2015), the PhD in Quantitative Methods Applied to Economics and Management (2019–2022), and the PhD in Tourism (2022–2023), and currently serves on their management teams. She has been a member of the University Senate, Vice-President of the Pedagogical Council, and an elected member of the Scientific Council of FEUAlg.
She represents UAlg on the Executive Committee of the Algarve Sustainable Tourism Observatory and is a member of the Scientific Council of the Geoparque Algarvensis. Between 2022 and 2025, she served as Pro-Rector for the European University of the Seas (SEA-EU).
The scientific impact is reflected in a body of output that includes a significant proportion of international collaborations (38%) and contributions to almost all of the United Nations 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It should be noted that 58% of the publications are directly related to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), reinforcing the commitment to responsible practices and sustainable socio-economic development.
She is the author or co-author of numerous scientific articles and book chapters, has led and participated in funded projects, serves as a reviewer for leading journals, and is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being. She has received research awards and organized and presented numerous papers at national and international conferences.

Email: vraalmeida@ualg.pt

School / Faculty: Faculty of Human and Social Sciences
Position / Role: Vice-Rector for Community, Inclusion and Culture
Undergraduate Degree: Biology Teaching
PhD: Pedagogy
Habilitation: Educational Sciences, specialization in Sociology of Education and Educational Policy
Professional Category: Full Professor

António Fragoso holds a degree from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, a PhD from the University of Seville, and a Habilitation from the University of Minho. He is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences of the University of Algarve, where he has held various academic management positions.
Between 2006 and 2009, he served as Pro-Rector of the University of Algarve for Supporting the Adaptation of Teaching to the Bologna Process. Some of these roles involved strong connections with local communities, such as directing and coordinating UAlg’s RVCC center (Recognition, Validation and Certification of Competences).
From 2020 to 2025, he coordinated the Research Centre on Adult Education and Community Intervention (CEAD). He was part of the leadership of the European Society for Research on the Education of Adults (ESREA), within which he created the European research network Between Global and Local – Adult Learning and Communities, which he coordinated until 2011. He currently co-coordinates the European research network Access, Learning Careers and Identities and serves as editor of the European Journal for Research on the Education and Learning of Adults.
The scientific impact is reflected in a body of work characterised by international collaborations (61%) and contributions to a significant share of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, with particular emphasis on SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
His scientific interests focus on various dimensions of Adult Education, particularly on social change dynamics, the contribution of education to inclusion, and improving adults’ quality of life. Throughout his career, he has participated in national and international research projects and maintained a continuous and relevant scientific output.

Email: vrmcorreia@ualg.pt

School / Faculty: School of Management, Hospitality and Tourism
Position / Role: Vice-Rector for Digitalization and Infrastructure
Undergraduate Degree: Computer Engineering (University of Coimbra, 1992)
PhD: Electronic and Computer Engineering, specialization in Computer Science (University of Algarve, 2009)
Professional Category: Coordinating Professor

Marisol Correia is a Coordinating Professor at the School of Management, Hospitality and Tourism (ESGHT) of the University of Algarve (UAlg), where she teaches in the scientific area of Information Systems and Technologies. She is an integrated member of the Research, Development and Innovation Centre in Tourism (CiTUR), a collaborating member of the Research Centre in Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being (CinTurs), and an associate member of the Management Studies Centre at Instituto Superior Técnico (CEG-IST), University of Lisbon.
In 1996, she obtained a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, specializing in Informatics and Computers, at Instituto Superior Técnico of the Technical University of Lisbon, and in 2009, she earned a PhD in Electronic and Computer Engineering, specializing in Computer Science, from UAlg.
She joined UAlg in 1992 and has since held several positions, including Deputy Director of ESGHT, President of the Technical-Scientific Council, President of the Pedagogical Council, Coordinator of CiTUR Algarve, Director of the Unit, Director of the Professional Higher Technical Course (CTeSP) in Information Systems and Technologies, and Deputy Director of the Master’s in Hotel Management. She was an elected member of the UAlg Senate and served on the jury for organizing and coordinating the admission process for CTeSP at UAlg.
The scientific impact is reflected in an output characterised by international collaborations (76%), with 21% of publications related to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and 18% to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
She is the author or co-author of several indexed scientific articles and book chapters, has participated in funded projects, was responsible for several special issues in indexed journals, serves as a scientific reviewer for various journals and conferences, and has participated in organizing international conferences.

Email: vrpjbranco@ualg.pt

School / Faculty: Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Position / Role: Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation
Undergraduate Degree: Biology (1998)
PhD: Molecular Biology, University of Oxford (2005)
Habilitation: Biomedical Sciences
Professional Category: Associate Professor with Habilitation

Pedro Castelo Branco was born in Lisbon in August 1973 and spent his childhood and adolescence in Coimbra before enrolling at the University of Aveiro, where he graduated in Biology (1998). He earned his PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Oxford (2005) and completed two postdoctoral fellowships in cancer research at Harvard University and the University of Toronto.
In 2014, he returned to Portugal and has since been a faculty member at the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Principal Investigator of the “Epigenetics in Human Diseases” group at the Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute. He is the author of numerous publications and presentations related to his scientific research and holds the titles of Habilitation à diriger des recherches from Sorbonne University and Habilitation from the University of Algarve. He is currently an Associate Professor with Habilitation.
The scientific impact is reflected in a body of output characterised by international collaborations (67%), partnerships with companies (6.7%), and contributions to nearly all of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda (<70%).
At UAlg, he has held several leadership roles, including Director of the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine and President of the Executive Board of the Algarve Academic Center for Biomedical Research and Training.

Email: praconcei@ualg.pt

School / Faculty: Faculty of Science and Technology
Position / Role: Pro-Rector for Academic Management
Undergraduate Degree: Mathematics
Master’s Degree: Applied Mathematics
PhD: Mathematics
Professional Category: Assistant Professor

Ana Conceição was born in Lourenço Marques on September 28, 1973. Her academic connection to the University of Algarve (UAlg) began in 1992 when she enrolled in the Mathematics degree (scientific branch), earning the “Award for Best Final Grade” in 1997. She obtained a Master’s in Applied Mathematics from Instituto Superior Técnico (1999) and earned her PhD in Mathematics at UAlg (2007). She is currently an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology.
In the field of academic management, she has served as Pro-Rector for Academic Management since 2021. She has been part of various governing bodies, including several course boards, the Pedagogical Council of the Unit of Exact and Human Sciences, the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Science and Technology, and UAlg’s General Council.
She is an integrated member of the Research Centre for Mathematics and Applications (CIDMA). She has organized and served on the scientific committee of national and international conferences. She received the “Timberlake Award for Best Article by a Young Researcher (2012)” and the “Wolfram Research Award for Best Article (2023)”.
Ana Conceição is the author of numerous digital educational resources, which led her to become Principal Investigator in a project funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (2017) and to be nominated for the “Casa das Ciências Award (2019)”. She coordinates the “UAlg Mathematics Club”, an initiative awarded the “Good Practice Merit Award (2022)”.
She was honored with the “Municipal Merit Insignia (2025)” by the Municipality of São Brás de Alportel and is a member of the General Council of the José Belchior Viegas School Group.

Email: prsnjesus@ualg.pt

School / Faculty: Faculty of Human and Social Sciences (FCHS)
Position / Role: Vice-Rector for the Doctoral College
Bachelor’s Degree: Psychology (1989)
Doctorate: Educational Sciences, specialising in Educational Psychology (1997)
Habilitation: Psychology (2001)
Academic Rank: Full Professor of Psychology (since 2003)

In his academic training, he also completed a postgraduate programme in Human Resources Management and three postdoctoral fellowships, two in Psychology and one in Visual Arts.
He was a Professor at the University of Coimbra and, since 1997, has been a Professor at the University of Algarve.
He is Director of the Doctoral Programme in Psychology and was the first Director of the Undergraduate Degree in Psychology, as well as Director of several Master’s programmes in Psychology.
He served as Vice-Rector for Education and Culture (2017–21) and as President of the Executive Board, President of the Scientific Council, and President of the Pedagogical Council of FCHS, as well as Director of the Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences.
He is Coordinator of the University Centre for Research in Psychology (CUIP), having previously been Coordinator of CIEO.
He has published several books and more than three hundred scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals. Of the articles indexed in Scopus, more than 40% have an impact on the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
He has supervised postdoctoral research by colleagues from various countries and has supervised more than fifty completed doctoral theses.
He was Coordinator of the Psychology Panel for the allocation of doctoral and postdoctoral scholarships by FCT and has served as President of several External Evaluation Committees of A3ES.
He is Portugal’s representative in the “Stress, Trauma, Anxiety and Resilience Society” and was Coordinator of the National Psychology Forum.
Their articles have an impact on most of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, namely Goals 4, “Quality Education”, 7, “Good Health and Well-Being”, and 16, “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”.
He has received several international awards and distinctions (“Luso-Brazilian Award for Research in Health Psychology – 2009”; “Elsevier Atlas Award – 2018”; “STAR Lifetime Career Award – 2023”), national awards (“Rui Grácio Award – 1996”; “OPP Southern Career Award – 2019”; “APP Career Award for Research in Psychology – 2019”), and regional awards (“Medal of Merit of the City of Olhão – 1998”; “Personality of the Year – Education, AIRA 1998”; “Medal of Merit of the City of Faro – 2024”).
He was a founding member of the Portuguese Laboratory for Healthy Work Environments (LabPats) and President of the jury of the “Healthy Workplaces Award 2024”, promoted by the Portuguese Psychologists Association (OPP), in partnership with ACT and EU-OSHA (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work).

Email: prepereira@ualg.pt

School / Faculty: School of Education and Communication
Position / Role: Pro-Rector for Sports and Student Support
Undergraduate Degree: Physical Education and Sport
PhD: Human Motricity, specialization in Sport Sciences
Professional Category: Adjunct Professor
 

Elsa Pereira is a professor at the University of Algarve, teaching at the School of Education and Communication since 1994. She holds a degree in Physical Education and Sport, a master’s in Sports Management, and a PhD in Human Motricity from the Faculty of Human Kinetics, Technical University of Lisbon.
She is an integrated member of the Research & Innovation Centre in Sport, Physical Activity and Health and a collaborating member of the Research Centre in Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being. She teaches in the areas of sports management, sport and tourism, and nautical sports.
Elsa has held leadership roles such as Director of the Bachelor’s in Sport, the Postgraduate Program in Sport and Tourism, and the Master’s in Recreational Sport. She was a member of the University of Algarve’s General Council, serves on the Technical-Scientific Council of the School of Education and Communication, and was President of its Pedagogical Council.
Her main research areas include strategy, governance and sustainability in sport, sports events, sport and tourism, nautical tourism, and nature sports. As a researcher, she has received national recognition—the Professor Albino Maria Award for Research and Development in Sports Management—and international recognition—the Winner Outstanding Author Contribution, Emerald.
Her scientific impact is reflected in international collaborations (over 30%), contributions to multiple SDGs (80% of articles linked to the 2030 Agenda), and partnerships with companies (10%). She serves on the editorial boards of journals such as Frontiers in Sports and Active Living and the Sustainability and Sports Science Journal.
Elsa represents the University of Algarve in the Network of Schools with Sports Education in Public Polytechnic Higher Education and is part of its leadership team. She is an invited member of the Board of the International Research Network in Sport Tourism. In her university outreach activities, she has collaborated on numerous projects and with various organizations.

 

Email: prvssousa@ualg.pt

School / Faculty: Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research (CENSE-UAlg)
Position / Role: Pro-Rector for Sustainability Sciences
Undergraduate Degree: Environmental Engineering
PhD: Marine, Earth and Environmental Sciences (specialization in Environmental Sciences and Technologies)
Professional Category: PhD Researcher
 

Vânia Serrão Sousa is a PhD researcher integrated at CENSE-UAlg and the Associate Laboratory CHANGE (Global Change and Sustainability), consolidating since 2008 a trajectory of applied and collaborative research at the University of Algarve, focused on water resources—from treatment and reuse to sustainable management—and on the land–ocean interface, with an emphasis on contamination and its impacts on coastal ecosystems and communities. She combines research with teaching in the fields of Sustainability, Water, Marine Pollution and Blue Development, lecturing at the Faculty of Sciences and Technology, the Institute of Engineering, and the University of Cádiz.

She holds scientific leadership roles in national and international projects, notably as the University of Algarve’s Principal Investigator in the international MORFeuS consortium, and through the coordination of Citizen Science initiatives. She is also co-responsible for the Castro Marim Marine Station.

She is the author of several scientific articles in indexed international journals, book chapters and technical–scientific reports, and serves as a reviewer and guest editor for Elsevier and Springer Nature. Her scientific impact is reflected in international collaborations (47%) and contributions to the United Nations 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals, with more than 75% of her publications directly related to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), demonstrating a consistent commitment to environmental protection, water security and innovation for sustainability.

Sustainability Sciences constitute a unifying axis, integrating research, teaching and societal engagement, and she represents the University of Algarve in the “Transforming Education” group of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). Her career also strengthens cooperation between academia and the community, representing the University of Algarve in co-management structures of the PNRF and the RNSCMVRSA, as well as in the LixArte community.

In terms of civic engagement, she is an Ambassador of the European Climate Pact, President of the General Assembly Board of the Portuguese Chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (AIH-GP), and Guardian of the Guardians of the Protected Areas of the Algarve region.