Elsa Pegado

Elsa Pegado is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Research Methods at the School of Sociology and Public Policy, Iscte-University Institute of Lisbon. She is a key researcher and Deputy Director at CIES-Iscte - Center for Research and Studies in Sociology, where she also coordinates the 'Gender, Life Course and Health' research group. Her work bridges academic research and public policy evaluation, with a strong focus on health sociology and social inequalities.

Education:

• PhD in Sociology, Iscte-University Institute of Lisbon (2017)
• Master's in Communication, Culture and Information Technologies, Iscte-University Institute of Lisbon (1999)
• Bachelor's in Sociology, Iscte-University Institute of Lisbon (1993)

Her research interests include the sociology of health, complementary and alternative medicines, pharmaceuticals, medication literacy, social exclusion, and evaluation methodologies for public policies. She explores how individuals manage health and performance through therapeutic practices, particularly in aging populations and high-pressure work environments.

The recent articles highlight a consistent focus on medication use for performance enhancement, therapeutic cultures, mental health, and the social dimensions of sleep and aging. Her work increasingly examines digital health technologies and information practices in healthcare contexts.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards explicitly mentioned.

She actively supervises research and leads major projects such as BeWell-Iscte and Time-To-Engage, securing funding and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Her research has been supported by institutions including INFARMED and ANF, and she has contributed to national policy evaluations like the Portuguese National Reading Plan.

She is affiliated with the CIES-Iscte research center, where she leads and participates in multiple research initiatives focused on health, gender, and social policy. Her work often involves mixed-methods approaches and collaborative research across institutions.