António Palmeira

António Palmeira is an Associate Professor at Universidade Lusófona, where he directs the CIDEFES research group and the PhD program in Physical Education and Sports. He holds a PhD in health and physical activity from the Technical University of Lisbon (2009) and a Habilitation from Lusófona University (2021). As Executive Director of the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA), he leads global initiatives in behavioral health. His research focuses on physical activity, obesity, exercise motivation, and public health interventions, with over 100 peer-reviewed articles and four books. Collaborating with 116 researchers, he has advised over 100 theses in health and social sciences.

Key projects include the INDEEP (2024–2028) and YoPA (2022–2027) initiatives promoting physical activity in youth and workplace interventions like SUFHA (2024). He has organized conferences such as the 2024 International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Annual Meeting. His work contributes to UN SDGs related to health and well-being, education, and sustainable communities.

• Education:
  • Habilitation in Movement (Lusófona University, 2021)
  • PhD in Health and Physical Activity (Technical University of Lisbon, 2009)

Research interests span psychosocial variables in health behaviors, weight management strategies, and interventions targeting adolescents and women. His work bridges behavioral science with public health policy, emphasizing environmental and participatory approaches. Media engagements include podcast discussions on exercise and nutrition (e.g., Let's SPIC About...). He has received five scientific awards and advises the ERA4Health Strategic Board.

Labs/Teams: Leads CIDEFES and collaborates with international teams on projects such as MOVE24 (WHO guidelines dissemination) and Home-COMBO (breast cancer exercise interventions).