António J. Santos

António J. Santos is an Integrated Member of the Social Development Team at ISPA - University Institute of Psychological, Social and Life Sciences, with expertise spanning developmental psychology and ethology. He holds a Licentiateship in Clinical Psychology from Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada (Lisbon) and a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Université du Québec à Montréal, complemented by a visiting scholar position at Auburn University.

His educational background includes:

• Licentiateship in Clinical Psychology, Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada, Lisbon
• Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology (Research Profile), Université du Québec à Montréal

Dr. Santos pioneers socioethological approaches to child social development, investigating how peer-group affiliative niches (friendships, subgroups) influence social competence beyond traditional psychological frameworks. His interdisciplinary work bridges developmental science with primatology, evidenced by publications in Child Development, International Journal of Primatology, and leadership in the Portuguese Society of Ethology. He actively shapes the field through keynote addresses at top international conferences and symposium organization.

Recent publications (2021-2024) reveal three convergent trends: 1) Cross-cultural analyses of family/friendship dynamics in early adolescence, 2) Evolutionary perspectives on primate communication and language origins, and 3) Evidence-based interventions for preschool behavioral challenges. These studies employ longitudinal designs, rapid reviews, and multi-country collaborations, highlighting methodological rigor and global relevance.

As a leading investigator for Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) projects, Dr. Santos secures substantial research funding while consulting for international initiatives in Canada and the USA. His advisory roles extend to project design and implementation across transnational teams.

He drives collaborative science as regional coordinator for Portugal of the International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development and through the Social Development Team at ISPA, fostering integrative research on peer-group socioecology.