معرفی
Joana Catela is an anthropologist and postdoctoral researcher affiliated with DINÂMIA'CET-Iscte and the Institute of Social Sciences (ICS-ULisboa). She holds a PhD in Anthropology from ISCTE-IUL, an MPhil from the University of Cambridge, and a bachelor's degree from NOVA FCSH. Currently, she serves as an Associate Researcher at DINÂMIA'CET and as an Invited Adjunct Professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, while also teaching in a TEIP school in Lisbon.
- PhD in Anthropology, ISCTE-IUL (2018)
- Postgraduate in Anthropology of Health, ISCTE-IUL (2011)
- MPhil in Latin American Studies, University of Cambridge (2008)
- Bachelor's in Anthropology, NOVA FCSH (2007)
Her research spans urban anthropology, housing policy, food systems, human-animal relations, and visual methodologies. She employs ethnographic and participatory methods to study marginalized communities, public policy, and sustainability transitions. Her work emphasizes transformative research with societal impact, bridging academic inquiry and civil engagement.
The analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on urban transitions, multispecies relations, digital ethnography, and policy innovation. Her work integrates qualitative methods with visual and digital tools, especially in contexts of crisis such as the pandemic. She consistently contributes to debates on sustainability, inclusion, and participatory governance in urban settings.
Scientific Engagement and Awards
- Active participant in the European Researchers' Night (2020)
- Consultant for the Aga Khan Foundation’s DiversITy health literacy project
- Co-convenor of the Urban Transitions HUB at ICS (2021–2022)
Joana Catela has advised and contributed to multiple interdisciplinary research projects, including exPERts, SPLACH, and CLAN, often in collaboration with national and international teams. Though no formal grants are listed, her work has been funded by FEEI and FCT, reflecting competitive research support. She has also been involved in educational outreach and community-based participatory research, emphasizing knowledge co-creation.
She has been associated with research units such as DINÂMIA'CET-Iscte and the Urban Transitions HUB at ICS, where she contributed to interdisciplinary dialogues on urban change, sustainability, and social justice. Her work often involves collaborative teams focused on transformative policy and community resilience.
