Assunção Cristas

Associate Professor Assunção Cristas holds a PhD in Private Law from NOVA University Lisbon (2005) and has been a faculty member at the NOVA School of Law since completing her doctorate. She previously served as a member of Parliament, Minister of Agriculture, and President of the CDS-PP political party. Her academic work focuses on Contract Law, Obligations, Consumer Protection, and Maritime Policy. She coordinates the NOVA Ocean Knowledge Center and teaches courses on Civil Law, Maritime Policy, and Legislative Evaluation.

• Education: PhD in Private Law (NOVA University Lisbon, 2005), Law Degree (University of Lisbon, 1997)
• Research Interests: Comparative Private Law, Legal Frameworks for Blue Economy, Legislative Architecture, and Public Policy Design

Her publications explore topics like contract law harmonization, maritime governance, and consumer protection directives. She has contributed to legislative policy roles at the Ministry of Justice and co-authored opinions on consumer legislation. Currently, she integrates academic leadership at NOVA while maintaining ties to maritime legal research initiatives.