Danielle Fernandes

Danielle Fernandes is an academic affiliated with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) within the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, specifically in the History, Archaeology, Arts, Philosophy and Ethics Expertise Center. Her work focuses on Gender, Diversity, and Intersectionality, with a strong emphasis on sexual health, adolescent health, and global health equity. She holds a Doctorate and has been actively involved in research since at least 2016, with over 21 publications and 5 notable awards, including the EUTOPIA Fellowship and Anne-Marie Depoorter Award.

Her research interests span qualitative explorations of sexual violence, participatory methods in health research, and critical analyses of sex education policies. Notable projects include studies on sexual violence in Brussels nightlife and parent-child communication interventions in Uganda. She has also contributed to mobile health interventions for hazardous drinking in India and explored HIV stigma in Goa.

• Key Awards: EUTOPIA Fellowship (2023), Gender in Research Fellowship (2024), Public Voices Fellow (2023).
• Grants: FWO Travel Grant (2024).
• Collaborations: Partnerships with institutions in Uganda, India, and Ecuador, focusing on health equity and marginalized communities.

Fernandes is a frequent presenter at academic workshops and conferences, including talks on Art-Based Methods in Gender Research and Creative Research Methods. She has organized public engagement initiatives like the City Confessions board game project to raise awareness about street harassment.