Maria João P. Monteiro

Maria João P. Monteiro is an Assistant Professor of Sensory Evaluation at the Faculty of Biotechnology (ESB-UCP), Universidade Católica Portuguesa. She leads research in food sensory science, consumer perception, and cross-cultural studies. Her roles include membership in the European Sensory Network (ESN) and presidency of Portugal's National Technical Commission for Sensory Analysis since 2008. She is also an ISO 17025 auditor for food testing laboratories since 2002.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biotechnology (Food Science & Engineering), Universidade Católica Portuguesa (ESB-UCP)
• M.Sc. in Oenology & Ampelology, University of Bordeaux II
• B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto

Research Interests:

• Chemical-sensory properties of foods and consumer acceptance
• Sensory optimization of plant-based products
• Cultural effects on sensory perception
• Repeated exposure and sensory congruency in food adoption
• Sensory lexicons development

Key Projects (2021–2026):

• ProxIMed: Exploring alternative proteins in Mediterranean regions
• VIIAFOOD: Agro-food innovation platform
• STF-EDIH: Smart Sustainable Farms & Foods European Hub

Labs/Teams: Active in the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) and Católica Lisbon Research Unit in Business and Economics (CUBE).