Helena Belchior Rocha

Helena Belchior Rocha is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Policy at ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon, and an integrated researcher at CIES-Iscte - Center for Research and Studies in Sociology. She serves as Deputy Director of the Laboratory of Transversal Skills and holds memberships in various scientific committees including the Scientific Committee of her Department and the Scientific Council of ISCTE.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Social Service (2011-2015) from ISCTE-IUL
• Master's degree in Social Service (2007-2009) from Lusiad University of Lisbon
• Bachelor's degree in Social Service (2003-2007) from Lusiad University of Lisbon

Dr. Rocha's research spans multiple interconnected domains in social sciences with strong practical applications. Her work centers on Social Service theory and methodology, sustainability practices, community intervention strategies, ethical frameworks, human rights advocacy, social policies development, well-being assessment, educational approaches, and transversal skills cultivation. Her interdisciplinary research connects theoretical frameworks with practical community applications, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations and sustainable development approaches across various contexts including LGBTI+ communities, elderly care, disaster response, and ecological social work.

Her scientific recognition includes three prestigious Marie Curie Fellowships, demonstrating her standing in the European research community.

As an academic advisor, Dr. Rocha currently guides 6 doctoral candidates and 16 master's students while having successfully mentored 2 doctoral graduates and 22 master's graduates. Her supervision covers diverse topics spanning from sustainability applications to community interventions with vulnerable populations, human trafficking, social responsibility, and intergenerational approaches to elderly isolation.

Dr. Rocha plays a significant role in academic leadership, serving as Deputy Director of the Laboratory of Transversal Skills, as well as holding positions on editorial boards of national and international journals, the Scientific Committee of the Department of Political Science and Public Policy, and the Scientific Council of ISCTE.