Maria Isabel Pereira Varanda

Maria Isabel Pereira Varanda is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Theology-Braga, Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), and a Visiting Professor at St. Joseph University in Macau, China. She is also a researcher at the Research Centre for Theology and Religious Studies (CITER), UCP, and a member of the Séminaire Oecuménique Francophone de Theology de l'Ecologie (SOFTE). Her academic and research activities are deeply rooted in theology and religious studies with a strong emphasis on ecotheological discourse and Christian anthropological reflection.

• PhD in Theology (1999), Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium
• Master in Theology (1994), Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium
• Degree in Theology (1992), Universidade Católica Portuguesa
• Bachelor of Nursing (1985), Escola de Enfermagem Calouste Gulbenkian-Braga

Maria Isabel Pereira Varanda's research is centered on Ecotheology, Christian Theological Anthropology, and Integral Ecology, with a particular focus on the theological implications of Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si'. Her work explores the intersection of religion, ecology, and ethics, emphasizing the concept of the 'Common Home' and the need for a holistic ecological conversion. She investigates how theological reflection can contribute to environmental sustainability and social justice.

Her recent publications, such as 'Is the “common home” metaphor adequate and useful for an “integral ecology” theology in modern times?' (2024) and 'Novos paradigmas ecoteológicos em tempos de risco' (2022), demonstrate a consistent trend in analyzing the dialogue between science, ecology, and theology. Her scholarly output shows a deep engagement with contemporary theological challenges, particularly the integration of evolutionary thought and ecological awareness into Christian doctrine. The recurring themes in her work include creation, evolution, interdependence, and the moral imperative of ecological responsibility.

• Member, Séminaire Oecuménique Francophone de Theology de l'Ecologie (SOFTE)
• Active contributor to research projects on public theology and ecological culture
• ORCID: 0000-0003-3603-5873

Maria Isabel Pereira Varanda is actively involved in academic advising and examination, serving as a supervisor and jury president for various academic works in Catholic Religious Education. She has contributed to curriculum development and pedagogical analysis, particularly in units focused on fraternity, diversity, and ecological awareness. Her work is supported by her affiliation with CITER, where she participates in interdisciplinary research projects that bridge theology, ethics, and social sciences.

She is a key contributor to the research project COLIVING2020: Common home and new ways of living interculturally, which explores public theology and the ecology of culture in pandemic times. This project, along with her involvement in the Religion, Ecology and Citizenship initiative, underscores her commitment to fostering intercultural dialogue and ecological citizenship through theological reflection.