Maria Jesus Monteagudo Sanchez

Maria Jesus Monteagudo Sanchez is a Professor and researcher at the Faculty of Social and Human Sciences of the University of Deusto, affiliated with the Deusto Cities Chair and the 'Leisure, Culture and Tourism for Social Transformation' research group (IT 1457-22). With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in the psychosociological study of leisure across the lifespan, focusing on its benefits, obstacles, and connections to human development, well-being, and urban sustainability.

• Current President of AEISAD (Spanish Association for Applied Social Research on Sport) since 2024
• Former Chair of OTIUM (Ibero-American Association for Leisure Studies) from 2016-2021
• Active participant in national and international research networks

Her research spans leisure geography, museum experiences, aging populations, urban sustainability, and the role of leisure in social transformation. She examines how leisure practices evolve across life stages, with particular attention to gender differences, barriers to participation, and the impact of digital technologies on recreational experiences. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications for urban planning and social policy.

Monteagudo Sanchez's recent publications reveal strong trends in intergenerational leisure dynamics, the spatial dimensions of recreational activities, and the intersection of leisure with sustainable urban development. Her research increasingly incorporates comparative international perspectives, particularly between Spain, Latin America, and Portugal.

She has directed numerous theses on leisure studies and actively mentors emerging researchers in the field. Her work connects with broader institutional initiatives through the Deusto Cities Chair and collaborative networks across Ibero-America.

• Leads research on urban regeneration through leisure practices
• Investigates the role of leisure in post-pandemic societal recovery
• Develops frameworks for assessing leisure's contribution to human development