Ana Maria Abreu

Ana Maria Abreu is a Researcher at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (CIIS) at Universidade Católica Portuguesa. Her work bridges cognitive neuroscience, experimental psychology, and digital well-being, with a focus on understanding cognition from behavioral, psychological, and neurobiological perspectives. She supervises PhD, MSc, and BSc students and contributes to research aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in mental health and education.

• PhD in Brain, Behavior and Cognition (Paris VI and King's College London)
• Diplôme d’Études Approfondies (DEA) in Neuropsychology (Paris VI)
• Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology, Developmental Disorders Branch (I.S.P.A., Lisbon)

Her research interests include experimental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, gamification, and digital well-being. She investigates how digital technologies affect cognition, emotion, and social behavior, especially in adolescents and professional settings. Her work on fear of missing out (FOMO), social media use, and educational gamification has been widely published.

Recent publications reveal a strong focus on digital mental health, gamified learning, and cognitive impacts of technology. Trends show increasing international collaboration and interdisciplinary methods, combining psychological assessment with digital data analysis.

• Bolsa de 4 anos, FCT (2001)
• Bolsa de Mérito, IBRO/FENS (2003)
• Bolsa de Mérito, New Bulgarian University (2003)
• Bolsa de 3 anos, FCT (2007)
• CONF.I.A.N.C.A. Distinction (2023)

Ana Maria Abreu actively supervises students and leads research projects such as ICTOLL_CARE, which evaluates the impact of communication technologies on pediatric oncology patients and caregivers. She also contributes to peer review and academic service, including editorial work for journals in healthcare and psychology. Her research is conducted within the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (CIIS), a collaborative hub fostering innovation in health sciences.