Maria João Lima has a PhD in Sociology (Iscte, 2023), a master's degree in Ethnomusicology (FCSH-UNL, 2000) and a degree in Musicology (FCSH-UNL, 1995). She is an integrated researcher at the Centre for Research and Studies in Sociology (CIES-Iscte), an Invited Assistant Researcher at the Portuguese Observatory of Cultural Activities (OPAC) and an Invited Assistant Professor at Iscte - University Institute of Lisbon. She was a researcher at Institute for Ethnomusicology - Centre for Music and Dance Studies (INET-md, 1995-2000) and Observatory of Cultural Activities (OAC, 2001-2013). Throughout her professional career she has participated in research and publications in various fields including the evaluation of local and national cultural policies, cultural audiences and cultural practices.