Elsa Guedes Teixeira

Elsa Guedes Teixeira is a Guest Professor affiliated with the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at the University of Porto and Universidade Portucalense. She is actively engaged in research and teaching at both university and polytechnic levels, contributing to academic leadership through supervision and jury participation. Her work is centered at CIIE (Centre for Research and Intervention in Education), where she contributes to multiple European and nationally funded projects focused on educational equity and social inclusion.

• PhD in Educational Sciences, University of Porto (2018)
• Master’s in Educational Sciences (Youth and Citizenship), University of Porto (2009)
• Degree in Sociology, Faculty of Arts, University of Porto (1999)

Her research interests span Sociology of Education, Social Inclusion, Digital Storytelling, Problem-Based Learning, Gender Studies, and Youth Transitions. She employs qualitative and participatory methodologies, emphasizing the voices of marginalized populations. Her work critically examines structural inequalities, especially among women, migrants, and youth in vulnerable contexts.

The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward inclusive digital education, democratic citizenship, and participatory pedagogies. Her work integrates digital storytelling and problem-based learning to empower marginalized groups, particularly young people and women. Projects like LIDA and MIND the Gaps highlight her commitment to media literacy, digital citizenship, and transnational educational inclusion.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Three research awards
• Featured in national media
• Funded projects by FCT, European Commission, and ERASMUS+

Elsa has been a researcher or fellow in numerous projects, including:

• LIDA: Learning Inclusion in a Digital Age – developing inclusive digital learning cultures for migrants and refugees.
• REGAP: Reducing Educational Gap for Migrants and Refugees – creating e-learning resources to enhance social belonging.
• EduTransfer: Transferability of promising educational practices using problem-based learning.
• MIND the Gaps: Media literacy for youth social inclusion.
• CodeIWP: Increasing Women's Participation in Democracy.
• ClimActiC: Climate adaptation through citizen-science-policy articulation.

She has also contributed to policy recommendations and educational handbooks, translating research into practical tools for educators and policymakers.

Her outreach extends to training teachers, students, and professionals, as well as volunteering with disadvantaged groups like teenage mothers. Her prior role as a sociologist in a municipal social inclusion department reflects her applied commitment to social justice and community development.