Sofia Almeida Santos

Sofia Almeida Santos is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Research and Intervention in Education (CIIE), Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal. She is actively engaged in national and international research projects focused on educational policy, gender equality, citizenship education, and inclusion. She serves as the Portuguese representative in the Council of Europe’s Experts Policy Adviser Network and has advised the Portuguese Ministry of Education (2020–2022).

Education:

• European PhD in Educational Sciences (2015), University of Porto, with University of Cambridge and University of Leeds
• MSc in Educational Sciences (2009), University of Porto
• BSc in Educational Sciences (2006), University of Porto
• Postgraduate studies in Public Policy Evaluation (IPPS-ISCTE) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Cambridge Judge Business School)

Research Interests: Her work centers on citizenship and sex education, gender and sexuality studies, early school leaving, refugee and asylum policy, and social justice in education. She investigates how educational policies shape inclusion and equity, particularly for marginalized youth. Her research emphasizes participatory methodologies and the voices of students and teachers.

Recent Research Trends: Her most recent publications (2020–2024) reflect a strong focus on sex education, particularly its impact on school trajectories and its treatment of non-heterosexual youth. She explores gender equality policies across Southern Europe and examines how arts-based and alternative educational approaches can re-engage students at risk of early school leaving. Her work consistently bridges academic research and policy impact.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• No formal awards listed in the provided text.

Advising and Grants: While not listed as formally advising students, Sofia Almeida Santos has served as Co-Principal Investigator on multiple competitive research grants, including projects funded by the European Commission (Erasmus+, FP7), the Economic and Social Research Council (UK), and Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portugal). Her work has influenced national and regional education policies, particularly in citizenship education and early school leaving prevention.

Labs and Research Teams: She is a core member of the Centre for Research and Intervention in Education (CIIE) at the University of Porto. She leads and participates in several international research networks and projects, including SIRIUS 3.0, TeachXevidence, Cosi.ed, and previously RESL.eu and motivatEyoUth, emphasizing collaboration across institutions and countries.