Monique Leivas Vargas

Monique Leivas Vargas is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Universitat de València. She also serves as a collaborating professor in the Master's program in Development Cooperation at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), as well as in postgraduate programs on social transformation innovation and citizen participation. Her academic work bridges sociology, education, and social innovation, with a strong focus on university-society engagement.

Her research interests include transformative participatory methodologies such as participatory video, photovoice, and social mapping, all aimed at advancing epistemic justice and critical co-production of knowledge. She investigates how marginalized voices can be integrated into research and decision-making through methods like committed citizen auditing and participatory action research. Her work emphasizes educational innovation and critical global citizenship, particularly in higher education and community-based settings.

Monique has contributed to national and international research projects funded by the Spanish State Research Agency and CYTED, notably within the INGENIO (CSIC-UPV) institute since 2015. She has participated in co-designing public mechanisms such as the Committed Citizen Audit for the Valencian government and has worked on projects related to digital social innovation and sustainable urban development.

She is affiliated with the Institute of Educational Creativity and Innovation (ICIE) and the INGENIO research institute. Her interdisciplinary work spans social sciences, education, and environmental justice, focusing on glocal development, just transitions, and critical university extension.

Monique earned her PhD in Local Development and International Cooperation from UPV in 2022, with a thesis on epistemic liberation in co-produced knowledge processes. She also holds a Master’s in Development Cooperation (UPV), a degree in Sociology (UV), a diploma in immigrant integration policies (UV), and a Higher Technician in Social Integration.

She has published scientific articles and book chapters on participatory methods and epistemic justice. Her teaching and research are deeply engaged with social movements, educational institutions, and public policy, promoting inclusive and transformative knowledge practices.